Tesla India Chief Prashanth Menon Quits Just Before Market Launch

 

In a significant leadership shake-up, Tesla India Chief Prashanth Menon has resigned, just as the electric vehicle (EV) giant prepares for its highly anticipated entry into the Indian market. Menon, who has been with Tesla for nearly nine years, stepped down from his position citing personal reasons, according to a Bloomberg report. His resignation marks a major transition in Tesla’s India operations, especially as the company inches closer to launching its products in one of the world’s fastest-growing EV markets.

Menon had served as Chairman of Tesla India Motors and Energy Pvt. Ltd. for four years and played a pivotal role in establishing the company’s early footprint in the country. He was responsible for setting up Tesla’s Pune office in 2021 and was actively involved in securing strategic locations for showrooms in major metros like Mumbai and Delhi. His contributions were seen as critical to preparing the groundwork for Tesla’s long-term India strategy.

This development marks a notable Tesla India leadership change, sparking industry speculation about the company’s revised plans or potential delays in its official market debut. The Tesla India CEO exit comes at a delicate time, with the Indian government recently approving lower import duties for EVs in exchange for manufacturing commitments—a move widely seen as a green signal for Tesla India’s market launch.

While Tesla has yet to name Menon’s successor, sources indicate the company is actively looking to strengthen its local leadership team as it navigates India’s regulatory landscape and builds its electric vehicle India strategy. 

 

According to some close sources, Tesla plans to launch in India by July–August 2025, importing 10,000 CBUs from its Berlin plant in the initial retail phase.The Tesla India launch update is being closely monitored, and Menon’s departure is likely to prompt both concern and curiosity regarding the next steps in Tesla’s ambitious Indian expansion.