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Tag: DLF Tesla

  • Tesla Decides on Showroom Sites in Mumbai and Delhi

    Elon Musk-led electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla is allegedly finalising two locations for its showrooms in Delhi and Mumbai, marking another milestone in the company’s efforts to establish a foothold in India. According to sources cited by an international news agency, the company has decided on locations for its showrooms, which will span 5,000 square feet and be located in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex and Delhi’s Aerocity. According to the report, these showrooms would only be used to sell the company’s imported EVs; they would not be used as service centres. This comes after it was revealed in December of last year that Tesla was in negotiations with prominent real estate company DLF to look at potential locations for its showroom in India, including the Cyber Hub complex in Gurugram and DLF’s Avenue Mall in Delhi.

    Additionally, the development coincides with the company’s eagerly awaited debut in the Indian market. Musk, the richest man in the world and the CEO of Tesla, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week while he was in the United States. During their conversation, Musk talked about topics that Modi is “passionate about, such as space, mobility, technology, and innovation,” according to a post on X.

    Tesla Announces New Hiring Plans in India

    Tesla has taken a big step by starting its employment process in India in this short time frame and after Modi’s visit to the US, where India and US President Donald Trump agreed on a trade deal roadmap. It would appear that Tesla is reaffirming its plan to enter India.

    Tesla, which has long had a small presence in India, is currently hiring for 13 positions, both back-end and customer-facing ones. Following years of negotiations that experienced numerous setbacks due to tax exemptions and local manufacturing regulations, the news has rekindled rumours regarding Tesla’s long-awaited debut into India. Musk has long criticised India’s high import taxes, claiming that they are a significant obstacle to Tesla’s growth there. At the moment of Tesla’s action, US President Donald Trump is advocating for strict tariffs.

    Picture Still Not Clear

    Tesla’s abrupt decision to begin hiring in India has raised the prospect of large investments coming to the nation, but is there more to this than what first appears? Whether Tesla will get the tax breaks it has long desired is still up in the air. Additionally, we are currently unaware of Tesla’s plans to manufacture or assemble in India. However, the timing of Tesla’s ambitions to hire people in India has sparked a lot of debate due to growing tariff concerns and Musk’s tight relationship with Trump.

    Now a significant Trump buddy, Elon Musk has a lot of influence within the government. Trump’s election to a second term in office means that US trade policy will probably become more assertive. Although Tesla had previously backed out of its intentions for India, the country may now feel pressured to provide more favourable terms due to the shifting political climate. Tesla has been pursuing reduced import taxes for years prior to making significant investments in India. In the past, New Delhi has lowered electric vehicle import duties for businesses that made at least 41.5 billion rupees ($500 million) and set up local manufacturing within three years. However, Tesla faces growing competition in India’s quickly changing EV industry.

    Tesla Unveils Hiring Plans for India Expansion
    Tesla announces new hiring plans in India, signaling its commitment to expanding operations and entering the Indian market.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • With DLF’s Assistance, Tesla has Resumed its Quest for a Showroom in New Delhi

    In a significant indication that the Elon Musk-led electric vehicle maker has begun reconsidering its entry into the Indian market after postponing its investment plans in the nation earlier this year, Tesla has resumed its search for showroom space in New Delhi. At first, Tesla was searching New Delhi for a location for its showrooms. But when the carmaker decided to put the investment plan on indefinite hold, the hunt was put on hold. But now that the brand has resumed its hunt, it might be a significant step for the business to relaunch its India strategy. According to a news agency, Tesla is now in preliminary negotiations with real estate development firm DLF to reserve space in the area around the nation’s capital. In addition, the massive electric car manufacturer is negotiating with other parties.

    According to reports, Tesla is searching for 3,000 to 5,000 square feet to build a consumer experience centre and a three-fold larger area for its service and delivery operations. The article further stated that the auto manufacturer is assessing a number of sites, such as the Cyber Hub office and retail complex in neighbouring Gurugram city and DLF’s Avenue Mall in southern Delhi. Additionally, it stated that Tesla is seeking to lease an 8,000-square-foot showcase area at the Avenue Mall. However, nothing has been finalised as of yet, and Tesla is still in the exploratory stage of its quest for showroom space.

    Tesla’s Strategy for India: Initial Developments

    When Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, announced in April that he would visit India to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the news of Tesla’s foray into the Indian auto sector became widely publicised. It was rumoured that he may announce a $2–3 billion investment in India, which would entail establishing a local facility for the production and assembly of Tesla electric vehicles. This facility would serve as a hub for EV manufacturing worldwide in addition to serving the Indian market. But after Tesla chose to fire 10% of its global workers due to declining sales, Musk abruptly cancelled his trip. Although Tesla began hiring in India in 2021 when it registered as Tesla India Motors in Karnataka, the automaker’s admittance into the country has remained an issue of contention for the past two years.

    Tesla’s Demand from the Indian Government

    In order to begin formal business operations in India, Tesla requested a reduction in import taxes for its electric vehicles. The Indian government, however, has refused to grant Tesla any special treatment, arguing that doing so would be unjust. Rather, the Indian government has consistently insisted that the EV manufacturer establish a domestic production plant there. Subsequently, the Indian government implemented a policy that permitted Tesla to import specific electric vehicles at a reduced tariff of 15% in exchange for the establishment of a domestic manufacturing and assembly facility in the nation. Following Tesla’s failure to meet its previous investment plans, the Indian government loosened some of its regulations in an attempt to draw in automakers. At first, Hyundai and Toyota showed interest in the move. But in the Indian market, Tesla’s “to go or not to go” strategy continued to be a hot topic of conversation.

    Delhi Extends Electric Car Policy Until March 2025: CM Atishi
    Delhi CM Atishi extends the electric car policy until March 31, 2025, to promote eco-friendly transportation and boost EV adoption in the capital.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde