The Rise of Slate Auto
Say hello to Slate Auto, the shiny new EV startup that just rolled out of stealth mode like a kid on Christmas morning. Backed by none other than Jeff Bezos—yes, that Jeff Bezos—this company has taken a page out of the Tesla playbook by poaching Napoleon Reyes, a key manufacturing leader from the Fremont factory. If this doesn’t scream ambition, I don’t know what does!

Meet Napoleon Reyes
Napoleon Reyes isn’t just some guy they picked up off the street; he’s a US Marine and a mechanical engineering graduate from Purdue. Reyes worked his way up through Subaru and Wabash before joining Tesla. While at Tesla, he was instrumental in the production ramp of the Model Y, leading its General Assembly line. After years of fine-tuning his skills, he’s now set to lead the charge at Slate Auto’s new electric pickup truck factory in Indiana.
What’s Cooking at Slate?
So, what’s all the fuss about? Slate is planning to produce a revolutionary electric pickup truck featuring modular customization and a wallet-friendly price tag. The company has managed to raise over $700 million, ensuring their plans aren’t just dreams but soon-to-be reality. With a former printing plant in Warsaw, Indiana, currently being transformed into a manufacturing hub, Slate is ready to give the traditional automakers a run for their money.
With a team that boasts experience from legacy automakers and Tesla’s elite, it’s safe to say that Slate Auto is on its way to becoming the David that takes down the Goliath of the electric vehicle world. Buckle up, folks; it’s going to be an exciting ride!