Is Tesla Ready to Enter the Indian Market with Its First Showroom in Mumbai?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tesla opens its first showroom in Mumbai.
- Launch of Model Y and Model S in India.
- Focus on vehicle sales, no manufacturing plans yet.
- Tesla has four commercial properties in India.
- Government promotes EV investments.
Mumbai, July 15 (NationPress) The electric vehicle manufacturer, led by Elon Musk, is preparing to make its debut in India with the inauguration of its inaugural showroom in the nation's financial hub on Tuesday. This event will feature the launch of the Model Y and Model S vehicles, attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
While Tesla is not currently engaged in manufacturing within India, the showroom, termed an 'experience centre', occupies a spacious 4,000 square feet retail area, conveniently located near the flagship store of US tech giant Apple in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).
Industry experts suggest that this initiative aligns with Tesla's comprehensive expansion strategy in India. In June, the company secured a commercial property in Kurla West, Mumbai, which is anticipated to operate as a servicing facility for their vehicles.
Currently, Tesla boasts four commercial properties in India, comprising an engineering hub in Pune, a registered office in Bengaluru, and a temporary office near the BKC. Tesla India Motor and Energy Private Ltd has leased a 24,500-square-foot space in Kurla West to establish a service centre, located in proximity to its forthcoming showroom in BKC.
The electric car manufacturer has finalized a lease and license agreement with Bellissimo in City FC Mumbai I Private for a location in Lodha Logistics Park. This five-year agreement commences at a monthly rent of Rs 37.53 lakh. Over the lease's duration, Tesla is projected to pay nearly Rs 25 crore in total, including an upfront security deposit of Rs 2.25 crore, as detailed in the leasing documents.
Tesla has clarified that its current objective focuses solely on vehicle sales in India, with no interests in manufacturing at this stage. Union Heavy Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy stated last month that Tesla's intentions revolve around opening showrooms in India strictly for sales purposes.
In the meantime, the Indian government has rolled out guidelines for its progressive EV scheme to attract new investments from international manufacturers in the electric vehicle sector.