With DLF's Assistance, Tesla has Resumed its Quest for a Showroom in New Delhi

Nitin Konde, Varun Bhardwaj

Dec 12, 2024 — 3 min read

Tesla Teams Up with DLF to Find New Delhi Showroom Location

In a significant indication that the Elon Musk-led electric vehicle maker has begun reconsidering its entry into the Indian market after postponing its investment plans in the nation earlier this year, Tesla has resumed its search for showroom space in New Delhi. At first, Tesla was searching New Delhi for a location for its showrooms. But when the carmaker decided to put the investment plan on indefinite hold, the hunt was put on hold. But now that the brand has resumed its hunt, it might be a significant step for the business to relaunch its India strategy. According to a news agency, Tesla is now in preliminary negotiations with real estate development firm DLF to reserve space in the area around the nation's capital. In addition, the massive electric car manufacturer is negotiating with other parties.

According to reports, Tesla is searching for 3,000 to 5,000 square feet to build a consumer experience centre and a three-fold larger area for its service and delivery operations. The article further stated that the auto manufacturer is assessing a number of sites, such as the Cyber Hub office and retail complex in neighbouring Gurugram city and DLF's Avenue Mall in southern Delhi. Additionally, it stated that Tesla is seeking to lease an 8,000-square-foot showcase area at the Avenue Mall. However, nothing has been finalised as of yet, and Tesla is still in the exploratory stage of its quest for showroom space.

Tesla's Strategy for India: Initial Developments

When Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, announced in April that he would visit India to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the news of Tesla's foray into the Indian auto sector became widely publicised. It was rumoured that he may announce a $2–3 billion investment in India, which would entail establishing a local facility for the production and assembly of Tesla electric vehicles. This facility would serve as a hub for EV manufacturing worldwide in addition to serving the Indian market. But after Tesla chose to fire 10% of its global workers due to declining sales, Musk abruptly cancelled his trip. Although Tesla began hiring in India in 2021 when it registered as Tesla India Motors in Karnataka, the automaker's admittance into the country has remained an issue of contention for the past two years.

Tesla’s Demand from the Indian Government

In order to begin formal business operations in India, Tesla requested a reduction in import taxes for its electric vehicles. The Indian government, however, has refused to grant Tesla any special treatment, arguing that doing so would be unjust. Rather, the Indian government has consistently insisted that the EV manufacturer establish a domestic production plant there. Subsequently, the Indian government implemented a policy that permitted Tesla to import specific electric vehicles at a reduced tariff of 15% in exchange for the establishment of a domestic manufacturing and assembly facility in the nation. Following Tesla's failure to meet its previous investment plans, the Indian government loosened some of its regulations in an attempt to draw in automakers. At first, Hyundai and Toyota showed interest in the move. But in the Indian market, Tesla's "to go or not to go" strategy continued to be a hot topic of conversation.