Tesla Opens First Showroom in Mumbai, Mahindra Reacts to EV Giant’s Arrival
In a significant milestone for India’s electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, Tesla has officially entered the Indian market by unveiling its first showroom—Tesla Experience Centre—at Maker Maxity Mall in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, one of the city’s busiest commercial hubs. The sleek retail space offers customers a close encounter with Tesla’s cutting-edge EV technology and vehicles.
At launch, Tesla is offering the Model Y to Indian buyers. The rear-wheel drive variant is priced at ₹59.89 lakh on-road, while the long-range rear-wheel drive version is listed at ₹67.89 lakh. Although these prices may position Tesla as a luxury option, industry insiders believe the company is betting on long-term market evolution and policy support.
Anand Mahindra’s Throwback and Warm Welcome
Industrialist Anand Mahindra was quick to welcome the competition. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“Welcome to India, @elonmusk and @Tesla. One of the world’s largest EV opportunities just got more exciting.”
“Competition drives innovation, and there’s plenty of road ahead. Looking forward to seeing you at the charging station.”
The post also included a throwback to a 2017 exchange with Elon Musk, where Mahindra had cheekily invited Musk to India. At the time, Musk praised India’s EV vision for 2030. Mahindra had responded:
“Time you got out here Elon. You don’t want to leave that whole market to Mahindra do you? The more the merrier and greener..!”
To which Musk had replied: “Good point.”
His tone, though welcoming, subtly reflected a sense of surprise—perhaps even disbelief—that Tesla’s long-speculated entry into India was finally real, especially considering the still-developing EV infrastructure, including charging stations.
Netizens React: Is Tesla Ready for Indian Roads?
Mahindra’s post sparked a lively conversation on X. Several users chimed in with questions and critiques:
- Ankur asked, “But Fortuner sells approx 29K units last year in India at ₹35–55L. Will people really buy a Tesla starting at ₹60L? The EV market is growing but will Tesla stay niche or go mass? WDYT sir.”
- Devu questioned feasibility: “Tesla works on an algorithm which detects signs on the road, parking slots etc. Do you believe it’s feasible in India where people don’t follow even basic traffic rules?”
- Samar Singh wrote: “There is no competition between Tesla and Mahindra. Tesla is years ahead in tech.”
- Cornelius added a satirical note: “There are no roads ahead in India. Even with your eyes open, you fall into pits. Curious how Tesla will cope with Indian roads.”
Maharashtra Government Backs Tesla’s India Move
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the Experience Centre and expressed optimism about Tesla’s deeper involvement in India.
“We wish to see research and development and manufacturing being done in India. Consider Maharashtra a partner in your journey,” he said.
Fadnavis recalled his first Tesla drive in 2015 and stated, “It has taken almost 10 years, but we are very happy that you are finally here.” He praised Tesla for its commitment to innovation, design, and sustainability, noting that Maharashtra’s policies on charging infrastructure and manufacturing incentives are among the best in India.
No Factory Yet, But Plans Underway
Industry experts believe the first batch of Model Y units has been imported from Tesla’s Shanghai gigafactory. For logistics and servicing, the company has leased a 24,000 sq. ft. warehouse at Lodha Logistics Park in Mumbai.
As of now, Tesla has not committed to local manufacturing. Union Heavy Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy recently confirmed that Tesla’s current focus is on sales and service, not production. The company has, however, secured a trade certificate from the Andheri RTO in Mumbai, allowing it to conduct test drives and sell vehicles without prior registration under Indian Motor Vehicles Rules.
Tariff Troubles Remain
India’s high import duties remain a hurdle for Tesla’s price-sensitive ambitions. While Elon Musk had lobbied for up to 70% tariff cuts on imported EVs, the Indian government stood firm. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal reiterated that India’s EV policy would remain neutral and competitive, designed to attract a range of global players.
Adding to the complexity, former U.S. President Donald Trump commented that allowing Tesla to build a plant in India might be “unfair” to American interests, casting a geopolitical shadow over any potential manufacturing plans.
The Tesla Experience Centre in Mumbai reflects the brand’s minimalistic, tech-forward identity, with Indian architectural elements blended in by architect Neeta Sharada. The company’s current strategy is straightforward: Look, test, buy.
Yet, the big question looms: Will Tesla commit to Make in India, or remain an import-driven luxury brand?
With Anand Mahindra’s years-old challenge now manifesting as direct competition, and the Indian EV market heating up, Tesla’s journey in India is off to a compelling start.