CEOInterviews.AI
Start App
Try: AI strategy tariffs earnings guidance layoffs interest rates growth

Franz von Holzhausen

Chief Designer, Tesla, Inc.

Search every verified Franz von Holzhausen interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Franz von Holzhausen, Chief Designer at Tesla, participated in the October 2026 unveiling of the second-generation Tesla Roadster at SpaceX’s McGregor, Texas facility, alongside Tesla vice president Lars Moravy and CEO Elon Musk. During the event and subsequent interviews, he described the vehicle’s design and engineering, including a rear-wheel-drive layout with dual motors, a steer-by-wire yoke, and a fan-based suction system that can generate up to 2g of downforce, allowing the car to drive upside down. He also discussed four planned versions—base, Performance, Thrust, and Rocket—with the top-tier model featuring cold-gas thrusters derived from SpaceX technology, a 10,000 PSI compressed nitrogen tank, and a claimed top speed of 330 mph. Von Holzhausen stated that production is targeted for 2028 and that the car aims to achieve a 0-60 mph time of under one second. In a separate keynote at X Takeover 2026, von Holzhausen spoke about Tesla’s design philosophy, emphasizing continuous product improvement, the evolution of clean bodyside surfaces seen in the Cybertruck, and the goal of making electric vehicles desirable and fun. He also noted that the Roadster’s design follows a trend toward simplicity and that the company aims to achieve what he called “impossible” goals, such as creating a flying car. He expressed hope that his work helps move the industry forward and makes EVs a comfortable, attractive choice for consumers.

Recent appearances

Verified interview transcripts

Notable quotes

“So, I mean, a couple of things to start out. The first thing that you can't see from looking at this, but you might tell from the proportions is it's actually a rear wheel drive only car. Really? Yeah. So, is it dual motor? It's dual motor at the rear axle. Cuz all of the internet has said it's tri motor, it's quad motor. But isn't it more fun? There's something like amazing and visceral about the power coming out of”

“Cybercab is really where I think the future of autonomy is headed. And you know that that vehicle will allow everybody a chance for low-cost mobility... It's the most efficient vehicle ever designed, ever engineered, and will also be able to provide really low-cost transportation, potentially cheaper than ever owning a vehicle.”

“Plus Cybertruck is really where I think the future of autonomy is is headed. And you know, that that vehicle will allow everybody a chance for low-cost mobility. And even you know, like Andre will be able to use it and get to see his friends easily and safely. It's the most efficient vehicle ever designed, ever engineered. And will also be able to provide really low-cost transportation. Potentially cheaper than ever ”

“The economics are right and the product is ready; we have the factory standing up and ample demand — this truck is 50% cheaper to run here in California.”

“The Cybertruck exemplifies risk-taking in automotive design, with its unconventional shape and use of stainless steel. Its innovative manufacturing process, including large castings, aims to improve sustainability and reduce emissions, challenging traditional industry standards.”

“Autonomy and full self-driving software are critical for the future of transportation. Tesla’s vision is to create a safer, more accessible, and more efficient transportation system through vision-based AI that reacts like a human driver, without the need for mapping or radars.”

Other executives at Tesla, Inc.

The summary and quote tags on this profile are produced with AI assistance from verified, first-person interview transcripts, then checked by our team to confirm the speaker's identity and the accuracy of every quote. See how we verify →