Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla's vice president of AI software, shared a New Year's message predicting that 2026 will mark a pivotal year for artificial intelligence. He emphasized that AI's effects will become profoundly tangible for everyday people. The Cybertruck account echoed the sentiment with thanks for recent AI advancements.
On January 1, 2026, Ashok Elluswamy posted a celebratory New Year's greeting on X, formerly Twitter. '🎆 🎊 Happy New Year!! 🎊🎆 2026 will be a historical year! Effects of AI will be felt in a visceral manner by common people,' he wrote, highlighting the anticipated widespread influence of AI technologies.
This optimistic outlook aligns with Tesla's ongoing advancements in AI, particularly in autonomous driving and software updates. Later that day, at 04:50:57 UTC, the official Cybertruck account responded in a related post: 'Thanks for all the brain updates this year, I like ‘em.' The phrase 'brain updates' appears to reference enhancements in AI systems or vehicle software, reflecting enthusiasm for 2025's progress.
Elluswamy's message underscores Tesla's focus on integrating AI into consumer experiences, potentially transforming daily life through innovations like Full Self-Driving capabilities. No specific details on upcoming projects were provided, but the posts signal confidence in AI's accelerating role in 2026.