Former Stellantis CEO Warns of Tesla's Possible Decline

Could Tesla Exit the Automotive Scene?

Once hailed as the ultimate game changer in the automotive world, Tesla is now facing dire predictions from industry veterans. Carlos Tavares, the previous CEO of Jeep manufacturer Stellantis, has expressed concerns that Tesla might not only exit the car industry but could potentially vanish entirely within the next decade.

Pressure from Competitors

In a recent interview with the French publication Les Echos, Tavares pointed to the fierce competition posed by Chinese EV manufacturer BYD, which has recently surpassed Tesla in global electric vehicle sales. This shift in market dynamics indicates that Tesla's dominant position may be under significant threat.

Tavares remarked on the possible distractions for Elon Musk, suggesting that the Tesla CEO might pivot his focus towards other ventures, such as humanoid robots, SpaceX, or artificial intelligence. "We can’t rule out that at some point, he’ll decide to leave the automotive industry to refocus on these areas," Tavares asserted.

Concerns Over Valuation

As the competition heats up, Tavares emphasized the potential impact on Tesla's valuation. He stated, "Tesla’s stock market value loss will be colossal because this valuation is simply stratospheric. I’m not sure that Tesla will still exist in 10 years. It’s an innovative group, but they’ll be beaten by BYD’s efficiency." These comments highlight the growing skepticism surrounding Tesla's future stability amid rising competition.

While Tesla has recently exceeded Wall Street expectations with a reported revenue of $28 billion—a 12% increase year-over-year and a 33% spike in deliveries in China, its second-largest market—its share of the Chinese market has significantly decreased. Over the past five years, Tesla's market share in China has plummeted from 16% in 2020 to roughly 5% today, largely due to the competitive edge gained by BYD. Musk himself acknowledged last year that "Chinese car companies are the most competitive car companies in the world."

Stock Performance and Future Outlook

As of Friday afternoon, Tesla's shares dipped about 2.5% and have experienced significant fluctuations throughout the year. Notably, the stock had fallen as much as 39% by March, although it has since rebounded slightly to show an 8.6% increase year-to-date.

Tavares’s comments arrive at a pivotal moment for Tesla, which is grappling with the challenges of retaining its high-profile CEO. Musk has been engaged in various endeavors, one of which involved assisting former President Donald Trump as part of the Department of Government Efficiency. During this time, he remarked to Fox News about the difficulties of balancing his multiple responsibilities.

Challenges in the Supply Chain

Moreover, Tesla has faced notable setbacks in its supply chain, exacerbated by tariffs introduced during Trump's administration, alongside pressure on sales following the removal of the EV tax credit in the U.S. The company has consistently emphasized the importance of keeping Musk motivated and focused on achieving long-term objectives. To that end, a proposed 10-year, $1 trillion compensation package for Musk is slated for a shareholder vote on November 6, intended to incentivize growth and ambitious goals, such as increasing the company’s market capitalization by a staggering 500% to reach $8.5 trillion.

Proxy Advisory Firms Raise Concerns

However, two proxy advisory firms have recently advised shareholders to reject the pay package, citing concerns about the board's discretion in determining how and when Musk meets the stipulated goals. In response, Tesla's board has refuted these claims, insisting that the award is designed to propel Tesla to unprecedented heights in the business world. Tavares’s insights reflect a complex and increasingly competitive landscape for Tesla, raising questions about the company’s ability to maintain its innovative edge amidst formidable rivals.

As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Tesla to see how it navigates these challenges and whether it can retain its status as a leader in the industry.