Well this is a bit of a shocker, although it is kind of understandable: according to rumors, Elon Musk may leave Tesla after the company’s smaller sedan model is launched.
Apparently, this was rumored as far back as 2013 when Musk was quoted by Reuters as saying he’d “stay with the automaker through the successful launch of the Model 3”.
The next model is due in 2017, at the earliest, although it will probably be delayed like every single one of Tesla’s models. The Model X will be rolled out through 2016, so it sounds a bit implausible that the company could also allocate resources towards the Model 3 while it’s focused on the crossover.
As for motivation to leave Tesla, it’s simple really: he apparently would like to dedicate all of his energy to SpaceX and “conquering the solar system;” he wants to actively take part in building a base on Mars.
So, Tesla could be sold off after that which could mean two things: it will be kept by whomever buys it as an electric sub-brand or it’s killed off and its technology is scavenged and used in the buying company’s own vehicles. Again, this is a rumor, so take it with a grain of salt.
Story references: Teslarati
Speculative Model 3 rendering via Theophiluschin
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