TSLA316.06010.76%
GM53.4001.06%
F11.4700.2078%
RIVN14.0100.19%
CYD23.430-0.1%
HMC33.110-0.48%
TM188.490-3.17%
CVNA332.1206.03%
PAG175.0204.22%
LAD312.9403.16%
AN203.2503%
GPI436.52020.46%
ABG237.6605.09%
SAH78.8103.38%
TSLA316.06010.76%
GM53.4001.06%
F11.4700.2078%
RIVN14.0100.19%
CYD23.430-0.1%
HMC33.110-0.48%
TM188.490-3.17%
CVNA332.1206.03%
PAG175.0204.22%
LAD312.9403.16%
AN203.2503%
GPI436.52020.46%
ABG237.6605.09%
SAH78.8103.38%
TSLA316.06010.76%
GM53.4001.06%
F11.4700.2078%
RIVN14.0100.19%
CYD23.430-0.1%
HMC33.110-0.48%
TM188.490-3.17%
CVNA332.1206.03%
PAG175.0204.22%
LAD312.9403.16%
AN203.2503%
GPI436.52020.46%
ABG237.6605.09%
SAH78.8103.38%
Dealers' #1 source for auto industry news, content, coaching & analysis

Tesla’s top sales exec departs amid mounting EV sales pressure

Troy Jones exits as Tesla faces leadership turnover and ramps up updates to retain consumer interest in a competitive EV market.

According to sources, Troy Jones, Tesla’s Vice President of Sales, Service, and Delivery for North America, has left the company after 15 years of service. His departure marks the latest in a series of high-level executive exits as Tesla navigates slowing demand, growing competition, and increasing scrutiny of its leadership structure.

Jones’s exit follows the June departures of Omead Afshar, who briefly led Tesla’s sales and manufacturing across North America and Europe, and Jenna Ferrua, Tesla’s North American HR director. Earlier in the year, Milan Kovac, a vice president of engineering overseeing Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot, also left. These moves underscore the broader instability within Tesla’s leadership at a time when its sales volumes and margins are under pressure.

Tesla has responded to market challenges with a stream of product updates and pricing changes. In recent months, the automaker introduced a refreshed Model Y, a lower-cost Cybertruck variant, and updated versions of the Model S and Model X. Despite these efforts, the automaker faces heightened competition in the EV space and concerns about its image tied to CEO Elon Musk’s increasing political activity.

To counter market anxiety, Tesla has continued to emphasize its long-term strategy focused on autonomous driving and robotics. On June 22, the company launched a limited rollout of its robotaxi service in Austin using autonomous Model Ys and a new ride-hailing app, with select users participating in early tests.

Sign up for CBT News’ daily newsletter and get the latest industry stories delivered straight to your inbox.

Here’s why it matters:

Dealers should closely monitor Tesla’s leadership changes and product strategy, as the automaker’s shift toward direct sales, autonomy, and robotics could influence long-term customer expectations and reshape the broader automotive retail competitive landscape.

Key takeaways:

  • Leadership shakeup
    Tesla’s top North American sales executive, Troy Jones, has left the company, marking another high-level departure amid ongoing company-wide turnover.
  • Strategic instability
    Multiple key leaders, including those overseeing manufacturing, HR, and AI, have left in recent months, potentially signaling internal friction or strategic redirection.
  • Product refresh efforts
    Tesla introduced new versions of its Model Y, Cybertruck, Model S, and Model X to rekindle buyer interest and boost sales in a crowded EV market.
  • Robotaxi launch begins
    Tesla quietly began its robotaxi service in Austin, offering limited autonomous rides through a new app, a step toward Musk’s broader AI-driven goals.
  • EV market implications
    As Tesla experiments with autonomy and AI, traditional dealers must evaluate how evolving consumer expectations and product offerings may impact franchise models and showroom competition.

Stay up to date on exclusive content from CBT News by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our free newsletter to receive all the latest news, insight and trends impacting the automotive industry.

CBT News is part of the JBF Business Media family.

Jaelyn Campbell
Jaelyn Campbell
Jaelyn Campbell is a staff writer/reporter for CBT News. She is known to cover the latest developments impacting automotive retailers, manufacturers, and industry professionals. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Jaelyn brings a journalistic focus to key trends shaping the retail automotive landscape, including dealership operations, evolving consumer behavior, EV adoption, and executive leadership strategies.

Related Articles

Latest Articles

From our Publishing Partners