Leases Mumbai Office: Is an India Launch Imminent?
Tesla’s recent moves suggest serious plans for entering the Indian EV market.
Tesla Inc., led by Elon Musk, is making significant strides toward entering the Indian market. The company has begun refunding reservation fees to customers who pre-booked its Model 3, a move seen as a precursor to launching new models tailored for India. Additionally, Tesla has secured office space in Mumbai, signaling deeper operational planning, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
According to Bloomberg, Tesla’s message to Indian customers who booked Model 3 vehicles back in 2016 reads: “We would like to return your reservation fee for the time being. When we finalize our offerings in India, we will reach out in the market again. We hope to see you back with us once we are ready to launch and deliver in your country.”
The refunds are being processed as Tesla phases out the earlier Model 3 variant. Official Tesla email addresses were used for this communication, further affirming the company’s renewed India focus after years of discussions hindered by steep import tariffs.
Meanwhile, Musk has hinted at visiting India this year, aligning with US-India trade talks that could ease the path for Tesla’s entry by lowering auto tariffs. A new tariff regime could significantly impact Tesla’s strategy as the EV giant faces intensified competition globally, especially from Chinese manufacturer BYD.
Tesla’s refunds and new Mumbai office lease point to accelerated plans for launching in the world’s third-largest car market.
In another major development, Tesla has leased a private 30-seat office space in Mumbai’s Phoenix Market City, near the Bandra-Kurla Complex, a prominent business hub. According to an ET report, Tesla India Motor & Energy agreed to a one-year lease with a three-month lock-in period, paying around ₹3 lakh per month.
Sources suggest that this new setup will facilitate early-stage operations like local hiring, regulatory discussions, vendor partnerships, and backend support for Tesla’s anticipated foray into India’s electric vehicle market.