Tesla formally inaugurated its new store at Maker Maxity Mall, in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), on Tuesday morning, a milestone in the electric vehicle manufacturer's foray into India.
The event was launched by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who stated his hopes regarding Tesla's entry in the state. Addressing the media, he stated, "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 added, "Four large charging points are also being set up by Tesla. I am glad Tesla selected Maharashtra as the state has emerged as a frontrunner in electric mobility. Tesla is introducing its Model Y in India.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the increasing demand for electric Mobility in India and Maharashtra. He added, "We have now in India and particularly in Maharashtra, a very large and strong market for electric mobility. We are also a production hub of electric mobility now, but I believe Tesla is going to alter the whole market."
While inaugurating the Tesla Experience Centre, Fadnavis also put the spotlight on the global reputation of the company. "Tesla is not a car or a car maker; it is all about sustainability, design and innovation, for which Tesla is a testimony and I believe that is the sole reason it is loved everywhere in the world," he stated.
Also read: Tesla enters India, set to open showroom in Mumbai on July 15
At the end of his address, the CM promised that "Mumbai and Maharashtra are going to treat Tesla well. Consider us as partners of your (Tesla) journey."
According to industry observers, the Austin-headquartered firm has already exported first batch of cars, so it seems Model Y rear-wheel drive SUVs, from its China factory.
Recently, Tesla India acquired on lease 24,565 square feet warehousing facility in Lodha Logistics Park in Mumbai for five years.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk had earlier indicated interest in investing in India, but then he had also noted that high import tariffs were a significant barrier. But India's new EV policy, rolled out recently, had provided lower import duties and other incentives to lure overseas EV producers, which could pave the way for Tesla's arrival.
With the opening of its first showroom in Mumbai, Tesla is likely to pilot the Indian market and establish a foothold for its high-end electric cars in one of the world's most rapidly growing automobile markets.
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