Ex-Stellantis boss: ‘Tesla may not exist in 10 years’ time’

Musk would lose interest

According to Tavares, Elon Musk is too distracted by other projects such as SpaceX, artificial intelligence and robotics. That shift in focus could eventually break Tesla down. Tavares calls Musk a brilliant entrepreneur, but also someone who divides his attention across too many fronts. “We cannot rule out that at some point he may decide to leave the auto industry to focus entirely on humanoid robots or space travel,” Tavares said.

BYD catches up with Tesla

The former Stellantis boss also points to the rise of China’s BYD, which has now surpassed Tesla in global electric car sales. BYD, he says, produces more efficiently, cheaper and faster than Tesla. “Tesla’s stock market value is simply excessive. The share price drop will be huge. I doubt Tesla will still exist in 10 years,” Tavares said.

Undisputed

Tavares himself does not have an immaculate reputation either. His departure from Stellantis in 2024 followed internal quarrels and disappointing sales of brands such as Jeep and Fiat. Especially in the American market, the big car group is currently struggling.

Read also: BREAKING: Carlos Tavares left Stellantis effective immediately