Tesla Embarks on Its India Journey
American electric car manufacturer Tesla is formally making its entry in India. The company will inaugurate its first showroom in Mumbai on July 15, sources said.
Mumbai Showroom Location and Model Details
The initial Tesla showroom would probably come up in the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai. It is reported that five Model Y cars have already entered the city. These vehicles were imported from Shanghai in China. Another showroom is also expected later in Delhi.
Background: Tesla's India Entry Delayed Since 2021
Tesla has been trying to enter India since 2021. The company requested lower import duties on electric vehicles, but the Indian government set conditions. These include local manufacturing and regional parts sourcing. Elon Musk did not agree to these terms, which delayed Tesla's launch.
Policy Shift Helped Tesla Entry
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met Elon Musk during his US visit. Import tariffs were discussed. Subsequently, India lowered the basic customs duty on high-end cars that cost over $40,000 (approximately ₹34 lakh). This prompted Tesla to go ahead with its India expansion plans.
Manufacturing Still Not Confirmed
Even with plans for showroom expansion, Tesla is not making any immediate plans to produce automobiles in India. The same has been confirmed by Union Heavy Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.
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