Tesla will open its first experience centre in India on July 15 at Mumbai’s Jio World Drive, reported news agency Reuters.
This marks a major step for the U.S.-based electric vehicle (EV) maker as it looks to enter the Indian market after years of planning and speculation.
The 4,000 square foot showroom is located in one of Mumbai’s premium retail spaces, close to the city’s Apple flagship store.
This space will allow visitors to explore Tesla’s electric cars and related technologies, though test drives and deliveries may not be offered at this stage.
The launch of the experience centre comes at a time when Tesla is building its presence in India slowly but steadily.
The EV carmaker took on lease a commercial property in Kurla West, Mumbai in June. This site is expected to be used for servicing vehicles.
With this addition, Tesla now holds four known commercial properties in India. These include the upcoming service centre, the new Mumbai showroom, an engineering hub in Pune, and its registered office in Bengaluru. The company also operates a temporary office near the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), a major business district in Mumbai.
Tesla’s operations in India are currently being overseen by its team in China as per reports. This shift comes after the resignation of its India head, Prashanth Menon, who left the company last month after nine years. No replacement has been announced yet. Bloomberg News had reported that Tesla’s China-based executives are managing the Indian market in the interim.
Despite its growing physical presence, Tesla is yet to commit to setting up a manufacturing facility in India. In June, Union Minister for Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy said that the company has not shown any interest in producing vehicles locally. “Tesla only wants to open showrooms and sell imported cars,” he said.
Tesla has previously raised concerns over India’s high import duties on electric vehicles, which can go as high as 100% depending on the car’s value. The government has maintained that Tesla is welcome to set up a manufacturing unit, but the company must commit to local production to enjoy tax benefits.
Tesla is struggling with its declining sales numbers and has seen its stock plummet 23.17% in the past 6 months.
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