Tesla picks up coveted sites in Aerocity and BKC; a big milestone in its India foray Elan Musk’s EV mammoth gets twin sites in Aerocity, BKC
Tesla is reportedly one step closer to launching in India, having finalized locations for its first two showrooms in New Delhi and Mumbai. State-based retail store sources told Reuters that the electric giant company has signed agreements at retail stores in Aerocity (Delhi) and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) (Mumbai), marking the first step in its India expansion journey.
Tesla Expands: All in on India Plans
However, it will soon find itself in the most upscale commercial hub with luxury hotels, retail shops, and corporate offices in New Delhi near the Indira Gandhi International Airport, rather than in Aerocity where the new showroom also has been announced. Meanwhile, the Mumbai showroom, which will open in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), puts Tesla one of the India’s top business and retail locations, with top financial institutions and international corporations.
Each location is estimated to occupy about 5,000 sq ft (464.5 sq m) and is intended to be primarily a retail outlet, rather than a service center.
This is to recruit data up till October 2023
As part of preparations for launch, Tesla has also begun hiring for mid-level roles in India, including store manager and customer relationship manager positions. The company has yet to announce official opening dates for its showrooms, though.
Tesla steps in line after CEO Elon Musk met with Indian Premier Narendra Modi in the U.S., where they discussed technology, space, and mobility. Although no defaults were announced, the meeting is viewed as a step in the right direction for getting Tesla into India.
The Indian Market: Not without its Challenges
Despite its ambitious expansion plans, Tesla has its work cut out for it in India, especially when it comes to the country’s steep import tariffs on EVs (100% at the moment). Musk has lobbied repeatedly for reduced tariffs, maintaining that lowered duties would make Tesla’s imported models more affordable to Indian consumers.
Dealing with Competition in India’s EV Market
The other key players in the Indian market are likely to be Tesla that will bring its Model S, Model 3 and some other EVs here to play ball with established players like Hyundai, MG, Toyota and Mahindra that have already either launched or revealed affordable electric vehicles here in India.
Tesla Competition in India:
- Tesla Model S – ₹70 lakh – ₹1 cr
- Tesla Model 3 – From ₹40 lakh
- Toyota bZ4X — From ₹70 lakh
- Hyundai Kona Electric 2024 — From ₹25 lakh
- MG eHS – ₹45 – ₹55 lakh
What Lies Ahead for Tesla in India?
Tesla’s India launch has been overdue by a significant length of time now, however its shoring of showroom spaces in Delhi and Mumbai means that the organization is purportedly genuinely propelling itself into the world’s third-biggest automobile market. Still, the question remains if Tesla will build EVs in country or be forced to import.
As it stands, Tesla’s launch in India appears closer than ever, with recruitment already kicking off and prime retail locations being secured in some of the country’s biggest metropolitan areas.
Source: livemint
