EXCLUSIVE: Ross Gerber Says Tesla Robotaxi Rollout Is A Distraction Before Q1 Earnings — Why He Thinks Elon Musk 'Changed The Narrative'

Ross Gerber, CEO of Gerber Kawasaki, tells Benzinga that Tesla’s public rollout of robotaxis in multiple Texas cities ahead of Q1 earnings is a strategic distraction that could mask operational shortcomings and hurt the company’s brand value. Gerber says the focus on transportation-as-a-service shifts the narrative away from Tesla’s prior EV and energy-story that attracted investors, and he argues Elon Musk’s actions have made the Tesla badge a liability that depresses demand. Gerber’s firm no longer holds TSLA in its ETF, and he doubts Tesla would sell its EV business because it needs the cash flow. Market impact: Gerber’s comments reinforce a negative narrative around Tesla’s branding and near-term execution ahead of earnings, which could pressure investor sentiment and shares around the report.