Tesla Expands into India with Showrooms in Delhi & Mumbai, Hiring Begins
- ByStartupStory | February 19, 2025
New Delhi: In a significant move toward entering the Indian automobile market, Tesla has finalised locations for two showrooms in New Delhi and Mumbai, marking a major step forward for the American electric vehicle (EV) giant. The company has secured leases for approximately 5,000-square-foot spaces in New Delhi’s Aerocity and Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), both prime business hubs.
Tesla has also posted job listings for 13 mid-level positions in India, including business operations, customer support, and service management roles. Positions such as service advisor, store manager, and delivery operations specialist are among those available, most of which are based in Mumbai.
This hiring push indicates Tesla’s strategy to establish a strong presence in India, even before setting up local manufacturing. Analysts suggest that Tesla may first assess demand by selling imported EVs before investing long-term in production facilities.
Tesla’s renewed interest in India comes after the government reduced import duties on premium electric vehicles priced above $40,000 from 110% to 70%. This move will make Tesla’s high-end models more competitive in the Indian market. Previously, Tesla had expressed concerns over India’s high import taxes, with Elon Musk calling them “the highest in the world by far.”
The decision to enter the Indian market was spearheaded after Elon Musk met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the U.S. last year. Tesla is also reportedly in talks with Indian EV leaders like Tata Motors about potential partnerships and local components sourcing. Senior Tesla executive Prashanth Menon, who previously led Tesla’s India operations, has returned to oversee the company’s expansion efforts.
Beyond retail expansion, Tesla is exploring locations for a potential manufacturing plant in India. Maharashtra has emerged as a leading contender, given Tesla’s existing presence in Pune and the availability of automotive suppliers in the region. The state has reportedly offered sites near Chakan and Chikhali, both major automobile hubs. However, discussions are still ongoing, with Tesla evaluating proximity to ports and infrastructure before making a final decision.
Tesla’s entry into India has faced multiple delays, with previous plans being scrapped in 2022 due to high import taxes. The company initially sought tax reductions for imported EVs priced below $40,000, arguing that a lower duty would help gauge demand before committing to local manufacturing. However, the Indian government insisted on local production commitments before offering any tax concessions.
Despite these setbacks, Tesla’s current hiring spree, showroom openings, and ongoing talks with state officials indicate a serious push into the Indian market. Industry experts believe that if Tesla successfully establishes a foothold, it could pave the way for a larger EV revolution in India, which remains a relatively untapped market compared to China and the U.S.
Follow Startup Story
Related Posts
