Tesla to Open First India Showroom in Mumbai on July 15

Tesla has officially hinted at its long-awaited entry into the Indian market through a “coming soon” teaser posted on its newly created X (formerly Twitter) account. This signals the beginning of a new chapter for the electric vehicle (EV) giant in the world’s third-largest car market.

Mumbai Showroom Opening on July 15

The company’s first physical location in India — a Tesla experience centre — is set to open at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai on July 15. According to invitations sent to the media, the centre will initially be accessible to VIPs and business partners, with public access likely the following week.

Model Y SUVs to Launch First, Deliveries by Late August

Model Y Shipment Details and Pricing

As per a media report, Tesla is planning to begin deliveries of Tesla's Model Y SUVs in India by late August. From January to June, commercial records show that the company has already imported $1 million worth of vehicles and accessories, including:

• Six Model Y SUVs

  • Five priced at $32,500 each

  • One long-range variant at $46,000

• Several Superchargers

• Imports mainly from China and the US

Due to India’s 70% import duty on fully built cars under $40,000, the final price for customers in India will be significantly higher than U.S. prices — making this launch a real-world test of Tesla’s brand value among Indian buyers.

Hiring and Expansion Reflect Tesla’s Broader Growth Strategy

Recruitment and Supply Chain Push

As part of its India plans, Tesla has ramped up hiring efforts this year — bringing in:

• Store Managers

• Sales Executives

• Service Staff

• Supply Chain Engineers

• Vehicle Operators

These roles suggest potential future developments in areas like autopilot testing and support infrastructure.

Global Context: India Entry Tied to Tesla's Market Repositioning

Tesla’s expansion into India comes at a time when the company is facing declining sales in key global markets and has underused capacity in its existing factories. Entering India allows Tesla to explore new growth regions with government EV incentives, a rising urban customer base, and growing interest in clean mobility solutions.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk had previously shown interest in investing $2–3 billion to manufacture EVs in India, although the current plan focuses on import-based sales rather than local production — at least for now.

Conclusion

Tesla’s long-anticipated entry into India—heralded by a strategic teaser on its newly launched X account and the upcoming inauguration of its first showroom in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex—signals a transformative moment for the country’s electric vehicle (EV) sector.

This debut, though centered on import-based sales, could serve as the groundwork for future local manufacturing, especially if demand proves strong. With Model Y deliveries set for August and recruitment efforts expanding across sales, service, and supply chain roles, Tesla is clearly positioning itself for long-term engagement.

The decision to begin with high-end imports, despite steep import duties of up to 70%, will test the price elasticity and brand appeal among India’s growing base of affluent, eco-conscious consumers. As India pushes for a greener automotive future, Tesla’s arrival not only enhances competition but also reaffirms the country’s rising stature in the global EV landscape.

For now, Tesla is here—and the market is watching closely.