Tesla is ramping up preparations for the European launch of its Semi electric truck, appointing Usuf Schermo as Head of Business Development for the EMEA region, a move that signals growing momentum ahead of the truck’s anticipated market debut in 2026.
Schermo, an experienced electric vehicle executive with prior roles at Volta Trucks and EVUM Motors, announced his new position via LinkedIn. His appointment was first reported by U.S.-based EV news portal Electrek. In his new role, Schermo will be responsible for building Tesla’s commercial vehicle market presence across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
The Tesla Semi, first unveiled in 2017 and originally scheduled for release in 2019, has faced multiple delays. A near-production version was finally shown in 2022, with limited units delivered to select customers, including PepsiCo. Now, series production is expected to begin in late 2025 at a dedicated facility adjacent to Tesla’s Gigafactory Nevada. Tesla has completed construction of the factory and is currently working on installing the production lines, with an annual capacity target of 50,000 units.
The electric truck drew significant interest when showcased at the IAA Transportation show in Hanover last September. However, Tesla made clear that a European launch would not take place before 2026. Dan Priestley, Tesla’s Head of Truck Development, noted at the time that the Semi would require adaptations to meet local regulatory and market requirements before entering European markets.
Schermo, who holds a master’s degree in industrial engineering with a focus on energy and resource management, previously oversaw sales operations at Volta Trucks in Germany from 2022 to 2024, and later led sales at EVUM Motors, a Munich-based electric van startup.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has also hinted at future production of the Semi in Europe. During a visit to the company’s Grünheide factory in Germany in March 2024, Musk mentioned the site as a potential location for Semi production, though no formal plans have been announced.