Tesla’s Head of Crash Safety Petter Winberg Announces Departure After 14 Years

Petter Winberg, Tesla’s Principal Engineer for crash safety, has announced his departure from the company after 14 years of shaping its reputation for automotive safety.

Winberg shared the news via LinkedIn, thanking Tesla for the experiences but did not specify the reasons for his exit or any plans for his next endeavor.

Under Winberg’s leadership, Tesla significantly advanced its safety ratings across all models, including the Model S, 3, Y, and X, achieving high scores in independent crash tests and elevating the brand to a dominant position in passive safety.

Winberg joined Tesla in 2011 after impressive stints at Volvo and SAAB

Winberg, who joined Tesla in 2011 after impressive stints at Volvo and SAAB, was instrumental in the crash safety development of Tesla’s innovative designs, including its pioneering ‘gigacasting’ and structural battery packs.

His work fundamentally changed the approach to vehicle design, allowing for more effective energy absorption during collisions and setting new standards that other automakers have begun to adopt. Winberg’s ability to work remotely from Sweden for the past five years highlights his exceptional standing within Tesla, a company known for its strict remote work policies enacted by CEO Elon Musk.

Winberg’s departure comes at a challenging time for Tesla, as the company faces increasing scrutiny over its Autopilot and ‘Full Self-Driving’ systems, alongside rumors of impending layoffs due to global sales declines. These factors have led to significant talent attrition within the company, raising concerns about its future direction amid mounting competition in the electric vehicle market.

Winberg expressed gratitude for his team and the impact they had on automotive safety, stating, “I have decided now is the time to move on. Thank you Tesla, keep crushing it!”. His contributions have not only advanced Tesla’s mission but also left a lasting legacy in the broader automotive landscape, ultimately enhancing safety and potentially saving lives.