Tesla Set to Launch First India Showroom in Mumbai on July 15

Despite High Import Duties, Elon Musk’s EV Giant Begins India Journey with $1 Million Worth of Imports

Tesla is officially entering the Indian automobile market with the opening of its first showroom in Mumbai next week. The electric vehicle (EV) giant will inaugurate its Tesla Experience Centre at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), one of Mumbai’s prime commercial hubs, on July 15.

In media invitations sent out on Thursday, Tesla described the event as the “launch of Tesla in India.” The move marks a significant step for the world’s most valuable carmaker into the globe’s third-largest car market, despite Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s long-standing concerns about India’s high import tariffs.

Public customs records show that between January and June, Tesla imported cars, charging equipment, and merchandise worth nearly $1 million into India. These imports primarily came from China and the United States. Among the shipments were six units of the popular Tesla Model Y—five standard versions valued at $32,500 each and one long-range variant priced at $46,000—alongside several Superchargers to support EV infrastructure.

Tesla’s initial India strategy focuses on showcasing and selling imported vehicles, which are currently subject to steep import duties of around 70% plus additional levies. This is a significant gamble for the company, which is also dealing with declining global sales and excess manufacturing capacity at its existing plants.

India has long courted Tesla. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has repeatedly expressed interest in bringing Tesla’s manufacturing operations to the country. A special policy framework was recently created to incentivize global EV companies, including Tesla, to set up local production units.

Last year, Elon Musk was expected to visit India to announce a potential investment ranging from $2 billion to $3 billion, primarily focused on setting up local EV manufacturing facilities. However, the trip was called off at the last minute, delaying what many hoped would be a formal entry strategy into India’s fast-growing EV sector.

With the new Mumbai showroom, Tesla takes a concrete step toward establishing a presence in India, testing the waters with high-end imports while potentially laying the groundwork for future local manufacturing. The success of this initial venture may influence the company’s long-term investment decisions in the Indian market.

Team Maverick.