Tesla First Showroom to Launch in Mumbai on July 15

After years of speculation, Tesla has officially confirmed its entry into the Indian market. The American EV giant will open its first showroom – the Tesla Experience Centre – at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai, on July 15. A second outlet is expected to follow soon in Delhi. However, actual car sales may take some more time to begin.

While Tesla had previously considered setting up a manufacturing plant in India, the company has now decided to enter the market with fully imported vehicles. Despite the Indian government’s efforts to offer reduced tariffs under a new EV policy to encourage local production, Tesla has made it clear that it is currently not interested in manufacturing in India. As a result, the cars will be subject to the full 110% import duty.

Tesla will follow its global direct-to-customer sales model in India and will operate its showrooms independently. The company has already hired local staff for roles such as store manager, sales executives, and service personnel.

The first model expected to be launched is the Model Y, particularly the facelifted version unveiled earlier this year. This model has already been spotted multiple times on Indian roads during testing.

Tesla entry into India has been highly anticipated by the auto industry and EV enthusiasts alike. While the brand enjoys strong fan loyalty that may drive initial sales, pricing will be a crucial factor in determining its long-term success in the Indian market.