First Tesla showroom in India could open next week

Tesla has been preparing to enter India for a long time, and it appears that the electric vehicle (EV) maker is ready to debut its first showroom in the country as soon as next week.

Tesla has been keen on selling cars in the country for years, but uncertainty in the company and the Indian government’s discussions haven’t paved the way to drive its EVs on Indian roads. However, recent developments have formed a result, and the first Tesla experience store in India could open on July 15, in Mumbai.

Prior to this decision, Tesla had been searching for recruits for various job role,s including vehicle experience and partners for vehicle services in the Mumbai Suburban of Maharashtra state.

Earlier this year, Tesla CEO, Elon Musk met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the US. Both leaders had a conversation on expanding business to the most populous country in the world.

In the following month, camouflaged Model Ys were first spotted with local vehicle registration plates, confirming the testing phase.

Camouflaged Tesla Model Y in India (source – @ashishpol86/X)

Unlike other markets, Tesla has no near-term plan to start local production; instead, Teslas sold in India will be imported from other countries. The EV maker produces these vehicles in the US, Germany, and China.

Indian customers will likely see cars produced in China and start selling Model Y and 3 first, which may face import duty, which may affect their prices due to import duty.

(source)