Tesla inaugurates Mumbai showroom; CM says Maharashtra leader in electric mobility | WATCH

Mumbai: Tesla officially opened its new showroom at Maker Maxity Mall, located in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), on Tuesday morning, marking a key moment in the electric carmaker’s journey in India.

The event was inaugurated by Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who expressed his optimism about Tesla’s presence in the state. Speaking to the media, he said, “I welcome Tesla here in Mumbai. Tesla has opened an experience centre here, and it is a statement that Tesla has arrived and it's a statement they Tesla has arrived in the right city and right state.”

He continued, “Four big charging stations are also being established by Tesla. I am happy that Tesla chose Maharashtra as the state has become a leader in electric mobility. Tesla is launching its Model Y in India.”

The Chief Minister also mentioned the rising demand for electric Mobility in Maharashtra and India. He noted, "We have now in India and especially in Maharashtra, a very big and robust market for electric mobility. We are also a manufacturing hub of electric mobility now, but I think Tesla is going to change the entire market."

During the inauguration of the Tesla Experience Centre, Fadnavis also highlighted the company's global recognition. "Tesla is not just a car or a car company; it is all about design, innovation and sustainability, for which Tesla stands as a testament, and I think that is the one and only reason it is loved globally," he said.
Towards the end of his speech, the CM assured that "Mumbai and Maharashtra are going to treat Tesla well. Consider us as partners of your (Tesla) journey.”

As per industry experts, the Austin-headquartered company has already shipped in first set of cars, apparently Model Y rear-wheel drive SUVs, from its China plant.

Last month, Tesla India took on lease 24,565 square feet warehousing space in Lodha Logistics Park in Mumbai for a period of five years.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk had previously expressed interest in investing in India, but he had also pointed out that high import duties were a major hurdle. However, India's new EV policy, which was announced recently, offered reduced import duties and additional incentives to attract global EV manufacturers, potentially paving the way for Tesla's entry.

With the launch of its first showroom in Mumbai, Tesla is expected to test the Indian market and build a base for its premium electric vehicles in one of the world's fastest-growing automobile markets.

(with inputs from PTI & ANI)