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Tesla Opens First Experience Center in Mumbai, India

Published 1 day ago2 minute read
Tesla Opens First Experience Center in Mumbai, India

Tesla is poised to make a significant stride into the Indian market with the impending launch of its first 'experience center' on July 15, located at Jio World Drive in Mumbai. This 4,000 sq ft retail space, leased earlier in March, is strategically positioned near Apple’s flagship store in the upscale commercial hub, marking a crucial milestone for the American electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer's presence in the country.

The opening of the Mumbai experience centre is a pivotal component of Tesla's wider strategic expansion efforts across India. In recent months, the company has actively acquired various commercial properties, including a facility in Kurla West, Mumbai, which is earmarked to function as a dedicated vehicle service centre. These developments solidify Tesla’s growing footprint in India, which now encompasses four key locations: an established engineering hub in Pune, a registered office in Bengaluru, a temporary administrative office situated near the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), and the forthcoming retail store in Mumbai.

This ongoing expansion proceeds amidst a period of leadership transition within Tesla's Indian operations. Prashanth Menon, who previously led Tesla India, resigned last month after nearly a decade with the company. In the interim, management of Indian operations has been assumed by Tesla’s China-based team, with no official replacement for Menon announced as of yet, according to reports from Bloomberg News.

Despite the retail push, Tesla's manufacturing aspirations in India continue to face uncertainty. In June, Union Minister for Heavy Industries H D Kumaraswamy clarified that Tesla’s immediate focus is on retail sales and vehicle imports, rather than engaging in local production. The minister explicitly stated, “Tesla only wants to open showrooms and sell imported cars.” Nonetheless, the inauguration of Tesla’s experience centre signifies a renewed and determined push into the burgeoning Indian EV market. This move could potentially lay the groundwork for future developments and greater localization, even as the company navigates ongoing regulatory and policy considerations pertinent to vehicle imports and domestic manufacturing.

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