Tesla prepares for launch in India
According to a new Reuters report, Tesla plans to inaugurate its showroom in Mumbai on Tuesday, 15 July. The company has established its first retail outlet in the Bandra Kurla Complex, one of the city’s most prominent commercial hubs.
Tesla has no plans for localisation in India at the moment and will thus enter the country as a niche player relying on imports. To begin with, the company will launch its best-selling EV globally, the Model Y, sourcing it from Gigafactory Shanghai in China. Gearing up for the launch, it has already imported vehicles, chargers, and accessories amounting to nearly one million dollars (approximately 856,000 euros) between January and June, mostly from China and the U.S.
In case of a lot of six Model Ys, Tesla declared the customs value at 32,500 dollars (approximately 28,000 euros) each for five units and 46,000 dollars (approximately 39,000 euros) for one unit of the long-range variant. The report suggests the company will need to pay approximately 70% import duty and other levies on the declared customs value to the Indian government, indicating the possibility of steep pricing.
Tesla also manufactures the Model 3 in right-hand drive, but the report does not mention any plans to launch the electric sedan in India. Given the country’s challenging road conditions and rising preference for SUVs, the Model Y stands a better chance of success.
Soon after Mumbai, earlier reports suggest Tesla is likely to open its second Indian showroom in Delhi, targeting customers in the northern part of the country. Bengaluru in the south is the third potential location for the company’s retail expansion.
0 Comments