Elon Musk Claims Peter Thiel Informed Him, Describes PayPal Departure as 'Palace Coup' Driven by Board: 'There Was Nothing Anyone Could...'
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 19 2025
0mins
Source: Benzinga
Elon Musk's Departure from PayPal: Elon Musk described his exit from PayPal as a "palace coup," asserting that he was the CEO and could not be fired by Peter Thiel, who reported to him. Musk claimed he was the largest shareholder and that no one could take his shares away.
Tesla's Market Valuation and Sales Decline: Tesla has achieved a market capitalization of over $1.58 trillion, making it the most valuable automaker, yet it experienced a 23% drop in U.S. sales in November amid declining EV demand, although it still holds a 56% market share in the U.S. EV sector.
SpaceX IPO Plans: SpaceX is considering a public listing next year, targeting a valuation of $1.5 trillion, with analysts suggesting that the timing is favorable for an IPO.
Trump's Space Exploration Plans: President Donald Trump announced new plans for space exploration, including an Executive Order aimed at returning humans to the Moon by 2028.
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Analyst Views on TM
About TM
Toyota Motor Corp is a Japan-based company mainly engaged in the automotive business, as well as financial services and other businesses. It operates through three business segments. The Automotive segment designs, manufactures, and sells automobiles, including sedans, minivans, compact cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), and trucks, as well as related parts and accessories. The Financial Services segment provides financing and vehicle leasing services to complement the sales of automobiles and other products manufactured by itself and its affiliates. The Other segment engages in information and communications services. It also oversees manufacturing and sales companies, conducts public relations and research activities, oversees financial companies, and develops various mobility products, primarily software.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Toyota's Commitment to Emissions and Sustainability Initiatives
- Environmental Commitment: Toyota showcases its dedication to environmental sustainability in the upcoming episode of Earth, particularly through creating habitats for bees and butterflies, which promotes ecosystem health and reflects its long-term strategic vision in environmental stewardship.
- Renewable Energy Investment: By expanding solar and renewable energy projects, Toyota aims to reduce its environmental footprint while supporting the transition to cleaner energy, demonstrating proactive efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality.
- Multi-Pathway Mobility Strategy: Toyota's multi-pathway approach includes advancing battery electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles, highlighting its collaboration with Rehlko to develop lower-emission generators compared to traditional diesel models.
- Circular Economy Initiative: The company's hybrid battery recycling initiative focuses on recovering valuable materials and extending the lifecycle of critical resources, thereby advancing a circular economy while reducing waste and promoting responsible resource management.
See More
Conventional Hybrids Outpace Gas and EVs in Annual Mileage
- Hybrid Performance: A study by iSeeCars reveals that conventional hybrids, among over 2.1 million three-year-old used vehicles sold in 2025, average 14,696 miles annually, outperforming gasoline vehicles by 10.3% and electric vehicles by 23.7%, highlighting their fuel efficiency benefits.
- High-Mileage Preference: Hybrids are often favored by high-mileage drivers, particularly in family-oriented models like minivans and SUVs, with the Chrysler Sienna hybrid leading as the most-driven model, reinforcing its market position.
- Gas vs. EV Comparison: Gasoline vehicles average 13,323 miles per year, while EVs lag at 11,880 miles, indicating a significant gap in overall usage, particularly among luxury and performance EVs like the Audi RS e-tron GT and Lucid Air, which are driven even less frequently.
- Usage Pattern Variations: The study indicates that family-oriented models consistently accumulate higher mileage, while sports and luxury vehicles tend to be driven less often, a trend that could influence future consumer preferences in the automotive market.
See More
BYD's Electric Vehicle Sales Surge
- Sales Milestone: BYD transformed into a fully electric vehicle manufacturer in 2022, quickly rising to become the world's top EV seller with 4.6 million vehicles sold last year, surpassing Ford and ranking as the sixth-largest automaker globally.
- Leading Growth Rate: With a 7.7% increase in global sales last year, BYD outpaced all automakers ranked ahead of it, demonstrating strong competitiveness and ongoing expansion potential in the market.
- Innovation-Driven Demand: The introduction of BYD's Blade Battery 2.0 and Flash Charging technologies in March has led to a surge in orders, with some vehicle models exceeding 100,000 orders, highlighting the direct impact of technological advancements on sales.
- Vertical Integration Advantage: BYD manufactures nearly all components in-house, including batteries and electric motors, which not only reduces costs but also enhances profitability, giving it a unique competitive edge in the electric vehicle market.
See More
BYD Surpasses Ford to Become Global Sales Leader
- Sales Milestone: BYD achieved global sales of 4.6 million vehicles in 2022, surpassing Ford to become the sixth-largest automaker, demonstrating its strong growth momentum in the electric vehicle market.
- Future Ambitions: CEO Wang Chuanfu stated that BYD aims to become the world's number one automaker within five years, focusing on accelerating sales growth through new battery and charging technologies to close the gap with Toyota.
- Technological Innovation: The launch of BYD's Blade Battery 2.0 and Flash Charging technology in March has significantly increased vehicle order demand, with some models receiving over 100,000 orders, reflecting strong market recognition of its innovative products.
- Vertical Integration Advantage: BYD's unique capability to produce nearly all vehicle components in-house, including batteries and electric motors, not only reduces costs but also enhances profitability, allowing it to maintain a competitive edge in a challenging market.
See More
Toyota Secures Sixth Le Mans Victory, Ending Ferrari's Streak
- Historic Victory: Toyota secured its sixth overall win at the 94th Le Mans, marking its first victory since 2022 and ending Ferrari's three-race winning streak, thereby reaffirming its dominance in the Hypercar class.
- Race Performance: Starting deep in the field, Toyota's number 7 car capitalized on a safety car period to move into contention, ultimately finishing just 10.9 seconds ahead of BMW's number 20 entry, showcasing exceptional racing strategy and execution.
- Strategic Restructuring: The victory can be attributed in part to Toyota's strategic decision to split its racing division into
See More
Toyota's 70-Year Journey in America Documented
- Historical Overview: The documentary 'Hecho para durar' will showcase Toyota's nearly 70-year journey in the U.S., highlighting its evolution from the first Toyopet sedan in the 1950s to current battery production in North Carolina, reflecting Toyota's deep commitment to the American market.
- Massive Investment Plans: Toyota's investments in the U.S. have exceeded $60 billion, including a $14 billion battery manufacturing plant, which is the largest economic development project in North Carolina's history, further solidifying its position in the electric vehicle market.
- Diverse Technological Transformation: The documentary will explore how Toyota is adapting to significant changes in the automotive industry by advancing hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric technologies to meet future mobility needs.
- Community Engagement and Future Vision: The program will highlight Toyota's interactions with state leaders and factory workers, emphasizing its efforts in promoting sustainable mobility and inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing.
See More
Toyota's Commitment to Emissions and Sustainability Initiatives
- Environmental Commitment: Toyota showcases its dedication to environmental sustainability in the upcoming episode of Earth, particularly through creating habitats for bees and butterflies, which promotes ecosystem health and reflects its long-term strategic vision in environmental stewardship.
- Renewable Energy Investment: By expanding solar and renewable energy projects, Toyota aims to reduce its environmental footprint while supporting the transition to cleaner energy, demonstrating proactive efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality.
- Multi-Pathway Mobility Strategy: Toyota's multi-pathway approach includes advancing battery electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles, highlighting its collaboration with Rehlko to develop lower-emission generators compared to traditional diesel models.
- Circular Economy Initiative: The company's hybrid battery recycling initiative focuses on recovering valuable materials and extending the lifecycle of critical resources, thereby advancing a circular economy while reducing waste and promoting responsible resource management.
See More
Conventional Hybrids Outpace Gas and EVs in Annual Mileage
- Hybrid Performance: A study by iSeeCars reveals that conventional hybrids, among over 2.1 million three-year-old used vehicles sold in 2025, average 14,696 miles annually, outperforming gasoline vehicles by 10.3% and electric vehicles by 23.7%, highlighting their fuel efficiency benefits.
- High-Mileage Preference: Hybrids are often favored by high-mileage drivers, particularly in family-oriented models like minivans and SUVs, with the Chrysler Sienna hybrid leading as the most-driven model, reinforcing its market position.
- Gas vs. EV Comparison: Gasoline vehicles average 13,323 miles per year, while EVs lag at 11,880 miles, indicating a significant gap in overall usage, particularly among luxury and performance EVs like the Audi RS e-tron GT and Lucid Air, which are driven even less frequently.
- Usage Pattern Variations: The study indicates that family-oriented models consistently accumulate higher mileage, while sports and luxury vehicles tend to be driven less often, a trend that could influence future consumer preferences in the automotive market.
See More
BYD's Electric Vehicle Sales Surge
- Sales Milestone: BYD transformed into a fully electric vehicle manufacturer in 2022, quickly rising to become the world's top EV seller with 4.6 million vehicles sold last year, surpassing Ford and ranking as the sixth-largest automaker globally.
- Leading Growth Rate: With a 7.7% increase in global sales last year, BYD outpaced all automakers ranked ahead of it, demonstrating strong competitiveness and ongoing expansion potential in the market.
- Innovation-Driven Demand: The introduction of BYD's Blade Battery 2.0 and Flash Charging technologies in March has led to a surge in orders, with some vehicle models exceeding 100,000 orders, highlighting the direct impact of technological advancements on sales.
- Vertical Integration Advantage: BYD manufactures nearly all components in-house, including batteries and electric motors, which not only reduces costs but also enhances profitability, giving it a unique competitive edge in the electric vehicle market.
See More
BYD Surpasses Ford to Become Global Sales Leader
- Sales Milestone: BYD achieved global sales of 4.6 million vehicles in 2022, surpassing Ford to become the sixth-largest automaker, demonstrating its strong growth momentum in the electric vehicle market.
- Future Ambitions: CEO Wang Chuanfu stated that BYD aims to become the world's number one automaker within five years, focusing on accelerating sales growth through new battery and charging technologies to close the gap with Toyota.
- Technological Innovation: The launch of BYD's Blade Battery 2.0 and Flash Charging technology in March has significantly increased vehicle order demand, with some models receiving over 100,000 orders, reflecting strong market recognition of its innovative products.
- Vertical Integration Advantage: BYD's unique capability to produce nearly all vehicle components in-house, including batteries and electric motors, not only reduces costs but also enhances profitability, allowing it to maintain a competitive edge in a challenging market.
See More
Toyota Secures Sixth Le Mans Victory, Ending Ferrari's Streak
- Historic Victory: Toyota secured its sixth overall win at the 94th Le Mans, marking its first victory since 2022 and ending Ferrari's three-race winning streak, thereby reaffirming its dominance in the Hypercar class.
- Race Performance: Starting deep in the field, Toyota's number 7 car capitalized on a safety car period to move into contention, ultimately finishing just 10.9 seconds ahead of BMW's number 20 entry, showcasing exceptional racing strategy and execution.
- Strategic Restructuring: The victory can be attributed in part to Toyota's strategic decision to split its racing division into
See More
Toyota's 70-Year Journey in America Documented
- Historical Overview: The documentary 'Hecho para durar' will showcase Toyota's nearly 70-year journey in the U.S., highlighting its evolution from the first Toyopet sedan in the 1950s to current battery production in North Carolina, reflecting Toyota's deep commitment to the American market.
- Massive Investment Plans: Toyota's investments in the U.S. have exceeded $60 billion, including a $14 billion battery manufacturing plant, which is the largest economic development project in North Carolina's history, further solidifying its position in the electric vehicle market.
- Diverse Technological Transformation: The documentary will explore how Toyota is adapting to significant changes in the automotive industry by advancing hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric technologies to meet future mobility needs.
- Community Engagement and Future Vision: The program will highlight Toyota's interactions with state leaders and factory workers, emphasizing its efforts in promoting sustainable mobility and inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing.
See More
