Image of an Tesla Model Y car.
X@TeslaNewswire
Mumbai: Amid thrill and excitement, the American carmaker and clean energy company Tesla made its formal entry in India on Tuesday with the launch of its first experience centre-cum showroom in the financial capital of Mumbai and unveiling of the Model Y cars for the market.
The Model Y, a mid-size SUV, starts from around Rs 60 lakh and upward.
The Elon Musk-led car company's presence in India will help Tesla cope up with the challenges it faces in the markets in the United States and China.
The electric vehicle (EV) maker's debut store in India — spread over 4,000 square feet -- is located inside Maker Maxity Mall in the upscale Bandra-Kurla Complex, the hustling-bustling central business district in Mumbai.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the first Tesla Experience Centre.
Fadnavis was accompanied by state Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.
Tesla’s Senior Regional Director Isabel Fan gave Fadnavis and Sarnaik a walkthrough and showcased the advanced features of Tesla Model Y and highlighted the company’s innovations in electric mobility and sustainable technology.
Musk, the Tesla Inc chief, was, however, not present in the inaugural event, but the billionaire entrepreneur is expected to visit India in the months ahead as he has several business interests like Tesla, Starlink Inc and X.
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Washington DC and held meetings with United States President Donald Trump, he also met Musk and held discussions on strengthening collaboration between Indian and US entities in innovation, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development. Their discussion also touched on opportunities to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship and good governance.
Fadnavis, who has extensive knowledge about cars and SUVs and loves to drive, was excited at the experience centre and rolled out the red carpet for the carmaker.
“In 2015, when I went to the US, I had my first ride in a Tesla. Then, I thought that we require such vehicles for mobility in India. It took them 10 years to come to India. And, I am sure that people of Mumbai and India are going to love Tesla,” he said, adding: “Tesla is not just a car company. It is all about design, innovation and sustainability for which Tesla stands as a testament. I think that is one and only reason why it is loved globally.”
"When Tesla decides to start making cars in India, we will make sure that Maharashtra is their preferred destination…Maharashtra has a very dynamic EV policy and we are working extensively on electric mobility…the inauguration of the Tesla Experience Centre is a statement that Tesla has arrived in the right city and in the right state - that is Mumbai and Maharashtra…Mumbai stands for innovation and sustainability,” the CM said.
“Tesla is establishing a logistics and servicing system here. Four big charging stations are also being established by them,” he added.
“Mumbai is not just the financial capital, but is emerging as a leading city in the country's technological sector. The fact that a global company like Tesla has taken its first step in Maharashtra is a testament to our government's progressive policies,” added Sarnaik.
In a post on X, Tesla India posted the specifications of the Model Y.
Last week, Tesla India Motors and Energy Pvt Ltd -- the Indian subsidiary Tesla -- had received a trade certificate from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Andheri.