Tesla likely to begin first deliveries in India from August

Tesla likely to begin first deliveries in India from August

Tesla is poised to commence its first deliveries in India, with an anticipated start date in August. The electric vehicle (EV) maker has been preparing for its entry into the Indian market, with its first showroom set to open in Mumbai on July 15 at the Bandra Kurla Complex [1].

Tesla's initial offering will include imported Model Y SUVs, accessories, and charging infrastructure worth approximately USD 1 million [3]. The Model Y, Tesla's best-selling model globally, has already arrived in Mumbai in small quantities, with five units declared at ₹2.77 million ($31,988) each [1]. The final sticker price is expected to be upwards of $56,000 before taxes and insurance, though Tesla is still finalizing its pricing strategy [1].

The company has also imported Supercharger hardware, car accessories, and spare parts from the U.S., China, and the Netherlands, signaling preparations for full-fledged retail operations [1]. The launch follows years of negotiations between Tesla and Indian policymakers over import tariffs and local manufacturing [1].

Tesla's entry into India comes at a time when the EV maker is facing reduced sales in Europe and China [4]. The company's pivot to selling imported cars in India is a strategic move to gauge demand before committing to high-cost local manufacturing. The customs duty on these high-end imports has been brought down from 125% to 70%, making premium cars more accessible to Indian buyers [3].

Tesla's first "experience center" will be in Mumbai, followed by a second location in New Delhi [1]. The company has also intensified its recruitment efforts for its Indian operations, hiring for various positions including store managers, sales and service executives, and supply chain engineers [2].

Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's push to attract local manufacturing, Tesla has not committed to India-based production. This import-first approach allows Tesla to quickly access the Indian market and assess demand before making significant investments in local manufacturing [2].

References:
[1] https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/tesla-enters-india-with-model-y-m-and-m-tata-motors-maruti-slip-ahead-of-mumbai-launch/ch8cTouR5lt
[2] https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/musks-tesla-marks-formal-india-entry-with-mumbai-launch-event-10120409/lite/
[3] https://www.businessworld.in/article/teslas-first-india-showroom-opens-july-15-in-mumbai-bkc-563145
[4] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/elon-musks-tesla-to-open-first-showroom-in-mumbai-ev-maker-set-to-inaugurate-store-next-week-report/articleshow/122378970.cms