Tesla has officially signaled its long-awaited entry into the Indian market, teasing a “coming soon” announcement on its new X (formerly Twitter) account and confirming that its first showroom in India will open on July 15 at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai. This marks the electric vehicle giant’s formal debut in the world’s third-largest car market.
The Mumbai showroom, described in media invitations as a “Tesla experience centre,” will initially welcome VIPs and business partners, with the general public expected to gain access the following week. The centre will offer visitors a chance to compare models, check pricing, and begin configuring orders, with early deliveries projected to start by late August.
Key Details:
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First model: Tesla is launching with the Model Y, including five standard variants (imported at $32,500 each) and one long-range version (imported at $46,000).
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Current focus: Tesla is importing vehicles rather than manufacturing them locally for now.
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Imports so far: Over $1 million worth of Model Y SUVs, Superchargers, and accessories have been brought in from China and the US between January and June.
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Pricing challenge: Due to India’s 70% import duty on cars under $40,000, final prices for buyers will be significantly higher than in the US—potentially testing Tesla’s premium appeal in the Indian market.
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Hiring push: Tesla has ramped up recruitment in India this year, hiring for roles like store managers, service staff, and supply chain engineers. The move indicates long-term plans, possibly tied to future manufacturing or Autopilot operations.
Tesla’s entry follows years of negotiations over tariffs, policy advocacy, and a previously canceled visit by CEO Elon Musk. While local manufacturing has been discussed—with Musk hinting at a $2–3 billion investment—Tesla is clearly adopting a wait-and-watch import-led strategy for now.
This strategic entry comes as Tesla seeks to diversify revenue amid slower sales globally and excess factory capacity. With India’s EV sector gaining momentum through urban demand and government incentives, Tesla is poised to test both brand loyalty and premium EV appetite in a still-nascent but growing market.
