Tesla has chosen locations for two showrooms in Mumbai and New Delhi, persons in the know told Reuters. Two sources told Reuters on condition of anonymity that Tesla has selected space in the Aerocity area near the Delhi international airport.
In Mumbai it has zeroed in on BKC, the first source stated, adding that both the Delhi and Mumbai showrooms will be approximately 5000 square feet.
The American auto firm has been on the lookout for showrooms in the country since last year, to begin sales in after putting market entry plans on hold in 2022, the newswire reported.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Tesla CEO Elon Musk in the United States last week and discussed issues including space, mobility and technology.
Opening dates for the outlets have not yet been decided, but Tesla plans “to sell imported EVs in India … these deals are for showrooms, not service centres,” the first source said, adding that Tesla will operate the outlets.
Reuters could not elicit a timely response from the automaker.
The auto firm also posted job ads for 13 mid level positions in India, which were a mix of store and customer relationship managers, the newswire noted.
Elon Musk has long criticised India for its import tariffs of around 100% on electric vehicles. The automaker also lobbied to relax the norms but was met with strong resistance from local auto companies, who believe the American auto maker’s India entry will affect their EV plans.
U.S. President Donald Trump last week called out India’s high duty on cars, but agreed to work with the Prime Minister towards an early trade deal and resolve their standoff over tariffs, the newswire noted.