Tesla leases offices in Mumbai and Delhi, already starts hiring

The long-awaited launch of Tesla electric cars in India seems a bit nearer since Elon Musk, the CEO of the company, has reportedly shortlisted two locations for setting up showrooms in New Delhi and Mumbai. 

According to recent reports, Tesla has chosen to lease space for a showroom in the Aerocity neighbourhood close to the international airport in New Delhi. Meanwhile, in Mumbai, the company has selected premises in Bandra Kurla Complex, which is a commercial and retail district close to the airport.

Citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter, Reuters has reported that after halting its ambitions to enter the Indian market in 2022, Tesla has been searching for showroom space in the country since late last year to begin sales in the third-largest car market in the world.

The update came following the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US, where he met Musk to discuss subjects like mobility, space, and technology.

According to the Reuters report, the showrooms in Delhi and Mumbai will each be approximately 5,000 square feet (464.52 square meters) in size.

The report further pointed out that Tesla intends "to sell imported EVs in India... these deals are for showrooms, not service centres," and it would run the stores. However, the dates for the outlets' opening have not yet been set.

Moreover, this week, Tesla also advertised 13 mid-level positions in India, including some customer contact managers and shop managers, further solidifying the reports indicating the company’s India debut.

In the past, Musk has slammed India for imposing high import taxes on electric vehicles (EVs) of up to 100%. Local manufacturers have opposed Tesla's entry because they believe it could disrupt their EV ambitions, despite the company's repeated calls for tariffs to be loosened.