Elon Musk has long been known for juggling multiple ventures — from launching rockets through SpaceX to reinventing digital communication with X. His influence spans electric vehicles, brain–computer interfaces, and artificial intelligence. Yet, one former executive now suggests his groundbreaking car company may soon be left behind.
A former automotive rival has claimed that Musk intends to withdraw from the electric vehicle market entirely. The prediction implies that his time and energy will soon be devoted primarily to AI, humanoid robotics, and interplanetary exploration.
A Bold Forecast From A Former Industry Leader
The striking statement came from Carlos Tavares, previously the CEO of Stellantis. In an interview, Tavares described a future where Musk’s attention shifts away from Tesla’s vehicle operations.
He said that Musk could eventually decide to exit the auto sector altogether and redirect his focus toward SpaceX, robotics, or AI innovation. According to the Detroit News, Tavares confidently concluded that Musk would have “left the automotive industry.”
His remarks suggest not a minor strategy change, but a full retreat from the very enterprise that transformed global perceptions of electric mobility.
High Valuation And Growing Competition Raise Doubts
Tavares’s skepticism stems from Tesla’s market valuation, which he described as unrealistically inflated. He warned that the company’s stock could experience a severe correction, calling its valuation “astronomical” and unsustainable.
During the promotion of his memoir On the Move, he also predicted that Chinese manufacturer BYD would eventually surpass Tesla in efficiency and scale. Tavares went as far as to suggest that Tesla might not survive another decade in its current form.
His argument hints that fierce market competition and economic headwinds could challenge Tesla’s dominance—especially as global AI and automation technologies begin reshaping transportation.
Musk Responds As AI Investments Accelerate
As expected, Musk quickly dismissed the claim after it surfaced on X. He reportedly said that Tavares had “no idea” what he was talking about.
Still, walking away from Tesla appears unlikely. The company continues to pour billions into self-driving systems powered by AI, a project Musk has called essential to Tesla’s mission. Its autonomous technology remains the centerpiece of the company’s long-term growth strategy.
Leaving Tesla now would mean abandoning a massive ecosystem of drivers, investors, and data crucial for advancing Full Self-Driving technology.
Billion-Dollar Incentives Indicate Musk Is Staying
The biggest counterpoint to Tavares’s theory may lie in Tesla’s pending shareholder decision. In November, investors will vote on a proposed compensation package for Musk worth roughly £800 billion ($1 trillion).
Analysts expect the vote to pass easily, reinforcing confidence in his continued leadership. Such a package clearly signals commitment, not withdrawal.
Even so, insiders note that Musk’s growing interest in controlling Tesla’s fleet of Optimus robots shows where his passion truly lies. It suggests that, while he remains deeply tied to Tesla, his long-term vision increasingly revolves around AI and robotics.
