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Tag: tesla

  • Senior Executive Departures Surge at Elon Musk’s Tesla, X, and xAI Amid Leadership Shakeups

    According to numerous sites, Elon Musk’s companies—Tesla, xAI, and social media platform X—are seeing a number of top departures. According to Reuters, Tesla lost a number of senior officials in 2024, including its chief information officer, head of US sales, and executives in charge of the energy and powertrain divisions.

    The departures came after a round of layoffs that eliminated over 14,000 positions in April 2024. Bloomberg claims that Tesla also shelved a planned low-cost electric car that would have cost $25,000. Instead, the company is now focusing its investments on robotics, AI, and self-driving taxis. The project’s leader, Daniel Ho, departed Tesla to work for Google’s Waymo.

    Showering of Resignations in Musk’s Firms

    Drew Baglino, a senior vice-president in charge of energy and powertrain, quit in April, according to the Wall Street Journal. David Zhang, a senior supply chain executive, and Rebecca Tinucci, who oversaw the company’s EV charging division, also left. Turnover has accelerated at Musk’s artificial intelligence startup, xAI.

    Mike Liberatore, the company’s chief financial officer, left after only 102 days in his position, according to the Financial Times. Liberatore claimed to have put in “seven days a week in the office; 120+ hours per week” in a post at the time. The general counsel for xAI, Robert Keele, departed in August, and an AI-generated film was used to announce his departure. According to the Financial Times, he left a few days after Liberatore.

    The journal also stated that Musk’s competition with OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, had influenced xAI. OpenAI was charged by xAI last week with employee espionage and trade secret misuse. The allegations were rejected by OpenAI as “the latest chapter in Musk’s ongoing harassment.”

    Why People Leaving Elon Musk’s Firms?

    There have also been leadership changes at Musk’s social media network X. According to media sources, Linda Yaccarino left her position as CEO in July 2025, having served for less than a year. According to the site, she left because she didn’t agree with Musk’s choices. WION claims that shortly after, Igor Babuschkin, a co-founder of xAI, departed to start an AI safety company.

    After brief assignments, public relations executives John Stoll and Dave Heinzinger also left and went back to work for their previous companies. According to Reuters, a number of engineers who were close to Musk have departed the company. Musk’s management style has been blamed by former executives for the turnover.

    “He’s the boss, the alpha, and anyone who doesn’t treat him that way, he finds a way to delete,” a former Tesla executive was reported by the Financial Times as saying. Insiders told the Financial Times that exhaustion, layoffs, and shifting objectives across Musk’s enterprises were the main reasons why several top staff members quit to launch their own businesses or take holidays after extended tenures.

    Quick Shots

    •Top departures include CFO Mike Liberatore (102
    days tenure) and General Counsel Robert Keele, amid competition with OpenAI.

    •CEO Linda Yaccarino resigned in July 2025, after
    under a year in the role; several PR and engineering staff also left.

    •Tesla shelved its $25,000 EV project, focusing on
    robotics, AI, and self-driving taxis; project lead Daniel Ho left for Waymo.

    •Former executives blame Musk’s intense management
    approach, shifting goals, and exhaustive work culture for the turnover.

  • Tesla-Samsung $16.5B Chip Deal Confirmed: Musk Reveals Game-Changing Partnership

    According to reports, Tesla and Samsung Electronics have inked a significant chip supply agreement valued at $16.5 billion through 2033. The action is intended to help Samsung’s faltering contract chip manufacturing division, which is up against fierce competition from TSMC.

    Inside the $16.5 Billion Agreement: What We Know So Far

    In the midst of trade negotiations, analysts say the agreement might lower losses and improve South Korea-US tech ties. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, announced on 28 July that the US automaker has agreed to purchase semiconductors from Samsung Electronics. This agreement is anticipated to support the South Korean tech giant’s struggling contract manufacturing division.

    Unnaming the customer, Samsung revealed on 26 July that it had signed a $16.5 billion chip supply agreement with a significant international corporation. It stated that the client had asked for confidentiality on the specifics of the agreement, which is set to expire in 2033. Reuters was informed by three people with knowledge of the situation that Tesla was the buyer of the deal.

    Why the Deal Matters for Samsung’s Foundry Division?

    Samsung is currently experiencing increasing pressure in the artificial intelligence chip manufacturing industry, as it is lagging behind competitors like TSMC and SK Hynix. This agreement is in response to this pressure. Its earnings and stock price have suffered greatly as a result of this delay.

    Through its foundry division, Samsung, the leading memory chip manufacturer in the world, also produces logic chips that are custom-designed by clients. According to Kiwoom Securities analyst Pak Yuak, the most recent agreement will assist in lowering losses at Samsung’s foundry division, which he calculated totalled more than ₩5 trillion ($3.63 billion) for the first half of the year.

    Geopolitical Stakes: Strengthening US–South Korea Tech Ties

    According to analysts, Samsung has had trouble keeping important customers from switching to TSMC for cutting-edge processors. Among TSMC’s clients are Apple, Nvidia, and Qualcomm. The Samsung-Tesla agreement is also important for South Korea, which is looking for U.S. shipbuilding and chip collaborations as it makes desperate attempts to negotiate a trade agreement that would remove or drastically cut possible 25% U.S. tariffs.

    Samsung’s Chip Struggles: Can This Deal Turn Things Around?

    According to BNK Investment & Securities analyst Lee Min-hee, Samsung is struggling to increase manufacturing yields of its most recent 2-nanometre technology; therefore, it is unlikely that the order will incorporate the state-of-the-art technology.

    In contract manufacturing, Samsung has been losing market share to TSMC, highlighting the technological obstacles the company must overcome to become proficient in advanced chip fabrication and draw in customers like Apple and Nvidia, analysts said.

    It’s unclear how the order will impact Samsung’s plans to begin production at its new Texas factory, which has been postponed due to the company’s inability to attract big clients.

  • Tesla Not Keen on Manufacturing in India, Says Union Minister Kumaraswamy

    According to a media agency, Heavy Industries Minister H D Kumaraswamy stated on 2 June that Tesla has no plans to produce electric cars in India anytime soon. Although local production is not currently in Tesla’s plans, the company is getting ready for a market debut.

    According to reports, Tesla is not currently exploring local manufacturing, even though it has finalised a showroom space in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex and hired more than two dozen employees in India, including store managers and service professionals.

    The company is anticipated to launch its first vehicle in the market within the next two to three months after starting the certification and homologation procedure to sell its EVs in India.

    India Carving Attractive EV Policy to Allure International Players

    In an effort to draw in big companies like Tesla, India launched a flagship EV policy in March 2024 that offered lower import taxes in return for manufacturing commitments.

    Companies that invest at least INR 4,150 crore (about $500 million) to start local manufacture within three years are eligible to import up to 8,000 EVs per year at a drastically reduced charge of 15% under the proposal.

    The programme is anticipated to start for applications shortly and run through March 15, 2026. The goal of the policy is to establish India, the third-largest automobile market in the world, as a major location for EV investments.

    India is still interested in EVs even though demand for them is slowing down globally. A minimum revenue criterion of INR 5,000 crore in the fourth year and INR 7,500 crore in the fifth year has been introduced by the Indian government, which has lately tightened eligibility requirements under the scheme. Businesses that fall short of these goals risk fines of up to 3% of the revenue deficit.

    Tesla’s Challenges in the Indian Market

    By generating EVs, batteries, and charging systems domestically, Tesla’s gigafactories might strengthen India’s IT and manufacturing industries. Tesla must first gain acceptance, which is not without its difficulties. Given India’s dealer-centric market, their direct sales strategy might need to be modified.

     A crucial component, after-sales service, must be strong. Pricing is another issue; the majority of passenger cars in India are under INR 20 lakh, indicating that the country is price sensitive.

    Even before taxes are applied, the least expensive Model 3 costs $42,490 in the US (about INR 37 lakh), putting it squarely in the luxury market in India.

    Tesla would need to provide more value-driven products and better prices than even China if it hopes to have more than a modest presence in India. As EV penetration keeps rising, experts believe India is prepared for more players.

    Additionally, less than 3% of all passenger vehicle sales in India are electric, indicating a low level of EV adoption. However, from 5,000 units in 2020 to over 113,000 in 2024, sales have increased significantly, according to a media report.

  • From Delhi to Tesla: Vaibhav Taneja Becomes World’s Highest-Paid CFO at $139 Million

    Vaibhav Taneja, an Indian professional, is making waves around the world as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Tesla, earning an incredible $139.5 million in 2024. It is among the largest compensation packages given to a CFO in history.

    This amount, which greatly exceeded his base income of $400,000, was primarily derived from stock options and equity awards given to him after his promotion. Taneja was positioned as one of the highest-paid financial executives in company history thanks to this remarkable salary, which surpassed the salaries of prominent tech executives like Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai.

    India is where Vaibhav Taneja’s adventure started. He graduated from Delhi University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Commerce, became a chartered accountant in 2000 through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, and then became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the United States in 2006.

    He worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in India and the United States for about 17 years, rising to the position of Senior Manager in Assurance. He began his career with the electric vehicle behemoth in 2016 when he joined SolarCity, the solar energy company that Tesla eventually purchased.

    Striking Success with Dedication and Hard Work at Tesla

    Taneja became an Assistant Corporate Controller at Tesla following the 2017 SolarCity merger. He rose swiftly through the ranks, finally replacing Zach Kirkhorn as Chief Financial Officer in August 2023 after being appointed Chief Accounting Officer in 2019 and promoted to Corporate Controller in 2018.

    He currently plays a significant part in Tesla’s Indian expansion strategy as a director of Tesla India Motors and Energy Private Limited. For the most part, Taneja’s record-breaking $139.5 million remuneration plan is stock-based and will vest over a four-year period.

    Tesla shares were worth about $250 at the time of the award, but by May 2025, they had increased to $342, making the prize even more profitable. In the same year, his salary surpassed Sundar Pichai’s $10.7 million and Satya Nadella’s $79.1 million.

    Additionally, it exceeded the $86 million CFO remuneration record that Nikola’s CFO set in 2020. Taneja belongs to a certain category of business executives as a result.

    Why Taneja is Getting High Pay-Cheques Despite Tesla’s Ongoing Challenges?

    Despite falling EV deliveries, narrowing margins, and more global competition, Taneja is getting a rise from Tesla. Some say that compensating CEOs who exhibit great financial stewardship is essential for navigating through unpredictable market situations, while others criticise such high executive salaries.

    The criticism of Tesla’s executive pay arrangements has increased as a result of Elon Musk, the company’s CEO, facing legal battles over his own revoked $56 billion compensation package.

    Taneja is frequently characterised as a calm, strategic leader with extensive knowledge of company integration and financial operations. He is known for his quiet competence rather than flamboyance. Professionals all throughout the world, particularly those from the Indian diaspora, find inspiration in his success story.

    With more than 20 years of expertise, Taneja is currently in charge of Tesla’s financial strategy, demonstrating that exceptional achievement can be achieved with technological know-how, global flexibility, and the capacity to negotiate challenging corporate environments.

  • Satara on Tesla’s Radar for Next Assembly Hub

    According to reports, EV powerhouse Tesla is getting closer to entering India by establishing an assembly plant in Satara, Maharashtra. According to a media report, the Elon Musk-led company plans to establish a completely knocked down (CKD) plant to assist in controlling the import duties on its components.

    CKDs are assembly plants that enable local assembly capabilities for a business by shipping all of the various completed components of a car from various locations. This comes a few months after it was revealed that the Andhra Pradesh government has been working tirelessly to get the multinational EV manufacturer to invest by offering incentives and that its economic development board had even produced a pitch for the purpose.

    However, the attempts appear to have failed. According to the aforementioned article, which cited a source, Tesla was in negotiations with Megha Engineering, a company based in Hyderabad, and other businesses to purchase property in a joint venture for its CKD initiatives. However, the talks were unable to proceed.

    Tesla to Launch EV by Last Quarter of Current Fiscal Year

    By the end of the current fiscal year, it is anticipated that Tesla will be able to introduce its own constructed EVs. The development coincides with the resignation of Prashanth Menon, the leader of Tesla’s India division.

    According to additional reports, Menon has called for his resignation for personal reasons. It was previously reported that Tesla had received land offers from the state of Maharashtra in places like Chakan and Chikhalin, which are close to Pune. With domestic companies like Mahindra and Tata Motors operating there, Chakan is regarded as a centre for Indian automakers. Cooper Corporations, a supplier of vehicle components, is also based in Satara.

    Tamil Nadu and Gujarat were among the other states vying to host Tesla’s manufacturing facility. The amount of land that Tesla will purchase for its assembly plant project is currently unknown.

    Tesla has already decided on locations for its shops in Delhi and Mumbai. It has also signed an agreement with EFC, a coworking space organisation, to lease a 30-seat office space in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) for INR 3 lakh per month. On its website, Tesla states that it is also seeking Indians for a minimum of thirty different roles.

    India’s New EV Policy Providing Favourable Business Environment to Tesla

    The country’s new EV regulation has made it more conducive to Tesla’s commercial success, and the company’s efforts to enter India have accelerated. According to a new regulation that was implemented in March of last year, businesses who agree to establish manufacturing facilities in the nation will be required to pay a reduced charge on EV imports.

    According to the proposal, companies that agree to invest at least INR 4,150 Cr (about $500 Mn) in India to establish manufacturing facilities will have their import duties on vehicles with a cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of $35,000 or more lowered by 15% for five years.

     In an effort to draw in foreign investment, India is also seeking to lower import taxes on 35 components needed in the production of EV batteries.

  • After US Tariff Clarity, the Centre May Modify EV Manufacturing Policy

    According to reports, the Centre is willing to change its Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SMEC) in light of the results of previous free trade agreements and the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the United States. The March 2024 announcement of SMEC has not yet been implemented.

     The plan allows authorised EV manufacturers to establish production plants in India for EV four-wheelers with a $500 million minimum expenditure. The programme also imposes a 15% tariff charge on imported EVs.

    The government may change the policy to draw in international manufacturing companies if the BTA talks result in 15% import auto tariffs and targeted investment amounts, according to a media report.

    India and US in Discussion Regarding Proposed BTA

    The planned BTA, which will cover tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and customs facilitation, is presently being discussed between the US and India. In order to facilitate trade, both nations will be expected to reduce or do away with customs tariffs if the agreement is implemented.

    In addition, India is negotiating free trade agreements with a number of nations, including Belgium, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

    Main Goals of the SMEC

    The SMEC programme seeks to entice international EV producers to put money into India’s expanding EV sector.”

    The initiative would also help place India on the world map for manufacturing EVs, generate employment, and meet the goal of “Make in India”, the government had stated when the scheme was announced last year.

    In addition to minimum investment amounts and import tariff rates, the programme mandates that manufacturing facilities achieve a minimum domestic value addition (DVA) of 25% and be operational within three years of the Ministry of Heavy Industries’ (MHI) approval date. After the facility is set up, the corporation should reach 50% DVA in 5 years.

    Even though the programme is gaining popularity worldwide, industry titans like VinFast and Tesla continue to struggle with India’s high EV import tariffs.

    Tesla’s CEO Taneja India’s Current Tariff a Major Roadblock

    The current tariff structure in India, according to Tesla’s CFO Vaibhav Taneja, is a barrier to the company’s entry into the Indian market.

    It is important to remember that imported cars valued at more than $40,000 (more than INR 34 lakh) CIF (cost, insurance, and goods) are subject to a 100% tariff in India. Additionally, by the end of June this year, Vietnamese EV giant VinFast plans to build its India unit in Tamil Nadu.

     With an initial commitment of $500 million over the first five years, this plant is a component of VinFast’s $2 billion investment in the nation.

  • India Blocks BYD’s Market Entry While Wooing Tesla

    A strong message has been sent by India regarding foreign investment, specifically when it comes to allowing investment from certain countries. BYD, the largest electric vehicle maker in China, has recently been denied permission to set up a large manufacturing base in India. Although the precise reasons for this denial have not been articulated, they seem to stem from a desire to prevent investment from countries that are considered strategic rivals.

    This action corresponds with India’s previous dismissal of BYD’s $1 billion offer with Megha Engineering, a collaboration that failed to materialize, particularly after Megha’s connection to the electoral bonds scandal came to light. In a comparable fashion, Great Wall Motor, another Chinese carmaker, deserted India after it encountered constant regulatory problems.

    Deepening Concerns Over Chinese Firms

    India is still suspicious of investments by Chinese corporations due to their dubious corporate structures and potential ties to the Chinese government and military. Officials point out that practices normal for a market economy, like state subsidies and favorable loans, distort competition and make Chinese investments seem attractive when they aren’t. Geopolitical tensions have eased a little since the summer of 2020, but at the moment, the Indian government is still using Press Note 3 as a way of keeping potentially harmful investments at bay.

    Speculation exists that Chinese companies, unhappy with recently imposed restrictions, are now trying to solve that problem by offering a lesser stake in joint ventures to Indian companies. But what does the Indian government think about all this? It seems not too happy itself about Chinese investment and is thus in no hurry to ease the enhanced restrictions, especially in the extremely sensitive area of electric mobility.

    India Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Tesla

    India seems to be working hard to woo Tesla. Unlike Europe, which has dragged its feet in delivering the promised permits to install production facilities, India has, according to Tesla’s CEO, provided the go ahead to set up a factory in India. In the interim, the company is employing a strategy that involves contract manufacturing and using the existing automotive production infrastructure within India to make its vehicles. The company is also busy setting up Tesla stores within the major metropolitan areas from which it intends to draw demand.

    A Tightrope Between Protection and Progress

    The costs of land and labor in India are significantly less expensive than in the U.S. or Germany. Setting up a facility in India that costs only USD 2–3 billion is an attractive proposition, less than half the price of either the Berlin or Texas gigafactories.

    Though India aims to be a global electric vehicle (EV) hub, the country imposes very high import duties that act as a barrier. They are among the steepest worldwide, in fact. These tariffs are why Tesla has hesitated to set up shop in India, even as it has tried to establish manufacturing plants in other parts of the world.

    India’s hesitance to allow BYD to operate freely is as much about protecting domestic interests as it is about geopolitical caution. Here, we are talking about a company that already produces over 1,200,000 electric vehicles a year. These are affordable, yet efficient vehicles. BYD poses a greater competitive threat to Indian automakers than does Tesla, which sells its cars at a much higher price point. Allowing BYD to operate in India could dramatically change the electric vehicle landscape in India’s favor, if India’s own EV automakers were allowed to operate in a fair competitive environment.

  • Trump Declares 25% Tariffs on Automobiles Manufactured Abroad

    On March 26, President Donald Trump announced broad plans to impose a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles and light trucks into the United States, with the declaration that the decision would be permanent. Collection will start on April 3 after the tariffs go into force on April 2. “We will impose a 25% tariff on all automobiles that are not produced in the United States,” stated the President. In the Oval Office, Trump declared, “This will be permanent.” “We start off with a 2.5% base, which is what we’re at, and go to 25%.” “This will continue to spur growth like you haven’t seen before,” he said, asserting that the action would encourage economic growth. However, there are no tariffs if your car is built in the US. Days before Trump is anticipated to reveal a more comprehensive set of trade policies, the announcement was made. He has designated April 2 as “liberation day” and plans to impose a broad range of so-called reciprocal tariffs on imports that his administration claims are unjustly subject to taxes from US trading partners.

    What are the Key Benefits of this Move?

    The White House estimates that these tariffs will bring in about $100 billion a year. Although analysts caution that higher costs could harm consumer demand and economic growth, the government is certain that this money can help lower the budget deficit and assist American industry. An imported car may cost about $12,500 more if manufacturers pass the entire tariff cost on to consumers. The average cost of a new car is already close to $49,000, so middle-class buyers might find it difficult to afford new cars. According to the Trump administration, the tariffs will incentivise automakers to relocate their manufacturing to the United States, generating jobs. As evidence that his policies are effective, Trump pointed to Hyundai’s $5.8 billion steel facility in Louisiana. Restructuring supply networks takes time, despite the White House’s claim that tariffs will boost the US auto industry. Before any benefits appear, automakers and consumers may have to pay more in the short run, and job losses may occur.

    What are Repercussions of this Move?

    European Union (EU) and Canadian leaders slammed the levies and warned of potential economic disruptions. While the EU issued a warning about harm to consumers and trade relations, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged to protect Canadian companies. Other countries may impose countermeasures in response to the tariffs, which may start a worldwide trade war. Trump has previously threatened to impose a 200% tax on European alcohol in response to the EU’s proposal of a 50% levy on US spirits. Economists caution that these tariffs may restrict consumer options and increase inflation. They are a component of Trump’s larger economic agenda, which also includes tariffs on energy, computer chips, steel, and aluminium.

    Musk’s Tesla Suffers Setback but May Still Prevail

    All of Tesla’s automobiles are produced in the United States, mostly at its operations in Fremont, California, and Austin, Texas. Because of this, the business has a significant edge over competitors like GM, Ford, and global brands like Hyundai, Toyota, and Volkswagen that mostly depend on imports or cross-border supply networks. However, many of the parts used in Tesla’s automobiles are imported, even if the final assembly takes place in the United States. This covers everything from lithium-ion battery cells and electric motors to the raw materials needed to produce EVs. Now that those parts are subject to taxes, Tesla’s production costs and maybe sticker prices will go up.

    Tesla is already struggling with dwindling market share and growing competition at the moment of the levies. Musk has cautioned investors that this year could see a slowdown in the company’s growth rate. In a more competitive EV market, higher production costs brought on by tariffs may make price competition more difficult. Musk is resisting any notion that Tesla will gain an advantage on its own, even with that protection. Like other manufacturers, the company’s intricate worldwide supply network is nonetheless at risk.

  • The New EV from Volkswagen Costs Half as Much as Tesla

    The German automaker Volkswagen has now revealed its upcoming electric vehicle project. After being promoted earlier this year, the company has now introduced ID.Every1, their entry-level EV. The ID.Every1’s production-spec model, which is now only a pre-production concept, will begin to be sold in Europe in 2027. The Volkswagen Up’s spiritual successor, according to the company, is a “from Europe for Europe” model. The German automaker’s ID line of electric vehicles will begin with the electric hatchback, which will be positioned beneath the ID.2 All, which is regarded as the battery-powered counterpart of the Polo.

    The next ID.Every1 will cost about 20,000 euros (about INR 18.90 lakh), according to Volkswagen. This is about 5,000 euros less than the ID.2 All, which is expected to make its official debut in 2026. The ID.Every1 is more than 100 mm shorter than the ID.2 All, with an overall length of 3,880 mm.

    The Real Design will Mostly be Aligned with the Concept

    Volkswagen asserts that the final production model will not significantly deviate from the recently unveiled concept. With its blacked-out upper faux grille, big LED headlamps, and contrasting black trim on the lower bumper, the hatchback’s front profile conveys a pleasant attitude while its proportions obviously pay respect to the Up. The blacked-out A-pillar produces a smooth wraparound impression for the windscreen, and vertical LED daytime running lights placed at the bumper’s corners further accentuate the rounded fascia.

    The side profile emphasises a simple and unobtrusive appearance with delicately sculpted wheel arches and no prominent character lines. Volkswagen claims that the goal of this minimalist approach is to produce a style that is “timeless” and “classless.” 19-inch wheels and flat door handles are also part of the concept, and the C-pillar design honours the original Golf. The rear end is identical to the front, with a third brake light built into the spoiler and tail lamps and a bumper that are both similarly constructed. Volkswagen claims that the ID.Every1 has a smaller battery and a shorter wheelbase than the ID.2 All, but otherwise has a similar design up to the A-pillars.

    Should Musk be Worried?

    Without a doubt, Volkswagen will have an advantage against Tesla in this pricing range. The German company has just recently developed a solid-state battery that may solve a significant EV issue that would annoy Tesla. Despite not producing these batteries in-house, Volkswagen has teamed up with QuantumScape, and the two companies have made great strides in bringing this technology to market. The progress has also been quicker than most people could have imagined, despite obstacles.

  • 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