Marking a significant development in its long-delayed entry into the Indian automobile market, electric carmaker Tesla is set to open its first experience centre at Mumbai’s Jio World Drive on July 15.
The 4,000-square-foot facility, situated in one of the city’s most upscale retail destinations, will enable potential customers to explore Tesla’s electric vehicles and related technologies. However, test drives and vehicle deliveries will not be available at this stage.
Tesla’s move comes after years of speculation over its India strategy, with the American auto major now gradually establishing a physical footprint. The Mumbai showroom joins three other known commercial properties, an engineering hub in Pune, a registered office in Bengaluru, and a recently leased service centre space in Kurla West, also in Mumbai. A temporary office is operating near the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), one of the city’s key business districts.
While Tesla’s physical presence in India is slowly expanding, the company has yet to confirm any manufacturing plans. The absence of a commitment to local production continues to cast doubt over the company’s long-term intentions in the country.
Also read: Tesla India rents space for warehouse in Mumbai
“Tesla only wants to open showrooms and sell imported cars,” Union Minister for Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy said last month, clarifying that the EV maker has shown no interest in setting up a domestic manufacturing unit.
India’s high import duties, reportedly reaching up to 100 per cent based on the value of the vehicle, have long been a sticking point for Tesla. The Centre, however, has maintained that tax reliefs will be available only if the company invests in local manufacturing infrastructure.
Tesla’s Indian operations are currently being overseen by executives based in China, following the resignation of the company’s India head, Prashanth Menon, last month. Menon, who had been with the company for nine years, has not yet been replaced, according to reports.
The company’s expansion into India also comes at a time when it is facing a slowdown in global demand. Tesla shares have fallen by 23.17 per cent over the past six months, reflecting investor concerns over sales performance.
While the Mumbai experience centre may generate visibility and brand engagement, the absence of concrete plans for vehicle deliveries or production continues to limit Tesla’s commercial scope in the Indian market.
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