In a recent close-up photo of a Tesla Cybertruck’s circuit board, an intriguing Easter egg has been spotted. The board includes the words “Hi Sandy!” printed on it, a clear reference to Sandy Munro, a renowned automotive engineer known for his detailed teardown analyses of vehicles, including Tesla models.

The Easter Egg and Its Significance

The “Hi Sandy!” text is positioned in a lower part of the circuit board, surrounded by various electronic components such as solder points and labeled connections. This personalized message from the Tesla team to Sandy Munro showcases the playful and innovative spirit of the company.

Sandy Munro, CEO of Munro & Associates, an engineering consulting firm in Auburn Hills, Michigan, has gained significant attention for his in-depth teardowns and analyses of Tesla vehicles. Initially critical of the Model 3’s build quality, Munro later became impressed with Tesla’s advanced technology and has since become an outspoken supporter of the company and its CEO, Elon Musk.

Munro’s Relationship with Tesla

Munro’s relationship with Tesla has evolved over time. After his initial criticism of the Model 3’s build quality, particularly regarding panel gaps and fit and finish issues, Munro became extremely impressed with Tesla’s electronics, battery, and powertrain technology, stating that it was years ahead of other automakers.

Since then, Munro has conducted teardowns of other Tesla models and has become a prominent advocate for the company. In 2021, he interviewed Elon Musk in a widely-viewed YouTube video, discussing Tesla’s manufacturing innovations in detail. Munro frequently praises Tesla’s speed of innovation and willingness to take bold risks compared to traditional automakers.

Criticism and Objectivity

Despite his support for Tesla, Munro has faced criticism for being biased and overly positive about the company as a paid consultant. Some have pointed out that Munro owns Tesla stock and that his enthusiastic praise sometimes borders on uncritical admiration of Musk. For example, he has made optimistic claims about Tesla’s Full Self-Driving progress that many believe are unrealistic.

However, Munro still points out flaws and areas for improvement in Tesla’s vehicles. He recently criticized the Cybertruck’s poor rear visibility and backup camera after slightly damaging one while reversing. Additionally, his initial Model 3 teardown was highly critical of the vehicle’s build quality.

EVXL’s Take

The playful Easter egg on the Tesla Cybertruck’s circuit board is a testament to the unique relationship between Sandy Munro and Tesla. It showcases the company’s appreciation for Munro’s work and highlights the innovative and unconventional approach Tesla takes in the automotive industry.

While some may question Munro’s impartiality due to his overwhelming support for Tesla, his expertise and insights into the company’s products and processes remain valuable. As Tesla continues to push boundaries and disrupt the automotive industry, figures like Sandy Munro will undoubtedly play a role in analyzing and interpreting the company’s advancements.