The carmaker dismissed hundreds of employees in a unit that was critical to its success and seen as important to the future of electric vehicle sales in the United States.
Robyn Denholm, who has led the electric car company’s board for more than five years, has been criticized for not serving as a check on Mr. Musk.
Elon Musk, the electric car company’s chief executive, said he would “build products outside of Tesla” unless the board raises his stake to 25 percent.
The maker of electric cars faces sharp competition, plummeting shares and production woes while its chief executive is preoccupied with Twitter.
Analysts credit the new chief executive, Jim Farley, with energizing the automaker, which still faces challenges.
Analysts credit the new chief executive, Jim Farley, with energizing the automaker, which still faces challenges.