Tesla Set to Enter India with Showrooms in New Delhi & Mumbai, Job Openings Announced
Tesla is set to open showrooms in New Delhi and Mumbai, marking its long-awaited entry into India’s electric vehicle market. The company is also hiring staff to prepare for the launch.
Tesla has chosen New Delhi and Mumbai as the locations for its first two showrooms in India, moving closer to its long-awaited plans to sell electric cars in the country. According to sources familiar with the matter, the automaker has been looking for showroom spaces in India since late 2023, after putting its entry plans on hold in 2022.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently met in the U.S. to discuss various topics, including space, mobility, and technology, further strengthening ties between the two.
In New Delhi, Tesla has secured space in the Aerocity area near the international airport. The location is part of a well-developed business district that includes offices, hotels, and retail outlets.
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In Mumbai, Tesla has selected a site in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), another prime business area close to the airport. Both showrooms will cover approximately 5,000 square feet (around 464 square meters). While the opening dates have not been confirmed, the showrooms will focus on selling imported electric vehicles (EVs). However, there are no plans to set up service centers at these locations for now. Tesla plans to operate the showrooms independently.
Tesla Starts Hiring for New Roles in India
Tesla is also preparing for its entry into the Indian market by posting job openings for 13 roles, ranging from customer-facing positions to backend operations. At least five of these positions will be available in both Mumbai and Delhi, including roles such as service technicians and advisory positions. The remaining openings, like customer engagement managers and delivery operations specialists, will be specific to Mumbai.
This hiring move signals that Tesla is gearing up to begin operations in India soon, with a focus on building its team in both key cities. Job advertisements were posted on LinkedIn earlier this week, showing Tesla’s serious intent to establish a presence in India.
Yes, Tesla is officially hiring in India!
Our next big project in coming months, get excited!!#tesla #teslaindia #indiahiring pic.twitter.com/DSf5dMLNQI — Ricky Ip (@ipwaikrazy) February 18, 2025
Tesla Faces Challenges with India’s High Import Duties
Tesla has been cautious about entering the Indian market due to the country's high import tariffs. Currently, India imposes a 100% tariff on imported vehicles, which has made it more expensive for companies like Tesla to bring their electric cars to the country. However, India has recently reduced its customs duty on high-end cars from 110% to 70%, which could make it easier for Tesla to sell its cars in India.
Despite this change, India’s electric vehicle market is still in its early stages compared to China, which has seen explosive growth. Last year, India’s total EV sales neared 100,000 units, while China sold over 11 million EVs. Nevertheless, India presents an opportunity for Tesla to tap into the growing demand for electric cars in the country.
Meeting Between Modi and Musk Fuels Tesla’s Plans
Tesla’s move to hire in India follows a high-profile meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Elon Musk in Washington. During the meeting, they discussed potential cooperation on several issues, including Tesla’s entry into the Indian market. U.S. President Donald Trump was also part of the discussions, highlighting the strategic importance of U.S.-India relations.
The meeting between Musk and Modi was significant as it solidified the relationship between Tesla and India. Musk’s influence in both business and government circles has been growing. Last month, Italy confirmed talks with Musk's SpaceX for a secure communications deal, which reflects the growing connection between Musk’s business ventures and international politics.
Tesla's Future in India
As Tesla moves forward with its showroom plans and hiring efforts in New Delhi and Mumbai, it is positioning itself to capitalize on the potential growth of India’s electric vehicle market. With the recent reduction in import duties and the increasing demand for EVs, the company is setting itself up for success in a market that is still in its early stages.
Tesla’s entry could pave the way for a broader transformation of India’s automotive industry, encouraging other companies to accelerate their own EV plans. With its strong brand recognition and technology leadership, Tesla has the potential to become a key player in the Indian electric vehicle market.
Also Read: Tesla Investors Hope Cheaper EV Model Boosts Growth in 2025
