Tesla is officially entering the Indian market by opening its first showroom in Mumbai on July 15. The showroom, called the “Tesla Experience Centre,” will be located in Bandra Kurla Complex, a major business area in the city. This marks a major step for Tesla in the world’s third-largest car market.
Cars and Accessories Imported
Before the launch, Tesla has already brought in electric cars and accessories worth around $1 million. These include six Model Y cars — five standard versions costing $32,500 each and one long-range model priced at $46,000. Tesla also shipped charging equipment like Superchargers from the US and China.
High Import Taxes in India
Despite high import taxes of nearly 70%, Tesla is starting by selling imported cars instead of manufacturing them locally. CEO Elon Musk has often said India’s import duties are too high, which makes it difficult for foreign carmakers. Still, Tesla has decided to begin sales without building a factory in the country.
Past Plans and Delays
Last year, Elon Musk was expected to visit India and announce a big investment of $2–3 billion to make cars in India. However, he canceled the trip at the last minute. Right now, Tesla has told the Indian government it is not planning to set up a manufacturing plant here.
Hiring and Local Team
To prepare for its India launch, Tesla has hired people for about 36 job roles. These include store managers, sales and service staff. The company is also looking for supply chain engineers and test drivers for its self-driving technology work.
Mixed Reactions
While the Indian government has tried to attract Tesla by creating new policies, some foreign leaders are not happy. For example, former US President Donald Trump said it would be “unfair” to the US if Tesla built a factory in India just to avoid taxes.
What’s Next
For now, Tesla’s focus is on selling imported cars in India. The opening of the Mumbai showroom is just the beginning. The company may expand later, depending on how the Indian market responds.
