Tesla’s India Head Resigns As Company Prepares For Country Launch

Tesla’s India head, Prashanth Menon, has resigned after nine years at the electric vehicle (EV) giant, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday. His exit is at a critical juncture as Tesla prepares to enter India, the third-largest car market in the world. Menon is also resigning as chairman of Tesla India’s board, as sources familiar with the matter have reported.

There has been no announcement of a successor, and Tesla’s China team is expected to take charge of Indian operations in the interim. The company has not made an official statement on the resignation or its India launch plans and did not reply to Reuters’ queries.

Tesla’s entry into India has been long awaited, and the company has been lobbying for lower import duties that would enable it to sell its vehicles at more affordable prices. A U.S.-India trade deal under consideration could involve reduced tariffs on imported electric vehicles, a major prerequisite that Tesla has demanded prior to entering the market.

Tesla is not stopping its India strategy despite the leadership shake-up. The company has already identified locations for showrooms and service centers and recently advertised almost two dozen job openings in the country. These positions include store operations, customer relations, and service management, which indicate that Tesla is serious about having a local presence.

The increasing EV market in India, driven by government incentives and increasing consumer interest, is a great opportunity for Tesla. The departure of a major executive at such a pivotal time is a cause for concern, but the hiring spree and the infrastructure building indicate the company is still committed to its India debut.

Tesla’s entry into India could change the EV landscape in the region if it can overcome regulatory, logistical, and competitive hurdles. The next few months will be critical in establishing how the automaker will establish its presence in this emerging market.