Tesla will open its first showroom in India next week, marking the U.S. electric vehicle maker’s official entry into the country.
The Tesla Experience Center is set to launch July 15 at Maker Maxity Mall in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, according to an invitation seen by CNBC. The 90-minute event will showcase the company’s vehicles and is expected to kick off direct sales in India.
While Tesla has no manufacturing presence in India, it plans to import vehicles from its factories in China and Germany. High import duties—up to 70%—remain a hurdle unless Tesla commits to local production, which it has not yet done.
Tesla’s expansion comes amid rising competition from China’s BYD and India’s Tata Motors. The company is also recruiting staff in Mumbai and New Delhi, with roles ranging from showroom advisors to service technicians.
In April, CEO Elon Musk met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss potential collaboration in technology and innovation.