First Tesla Showroom In India Coming Up In BKC
Tesla is set to open its first showroom in India, securing a prime location in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), reports Reuters. The US electric vehicle giant has signed a five-year lease agreement for a 4,000-square-foot commercial space in Maker Maxity, a prominent business and retail hub. The lease, which began on February 16, 2025, is valued at approximately $446,000 for the first year, with a 5% increase annually, reaching around $542,000 by the fifth year.
This move signals Tesla’s renewed push into the Indian market after previously shelving plans to sell imported cars in the country. The showroom will serve as a key hub for displaying Tesla’s models as the company navigates the challenges of high import duties. India currently imposes a 110% import tax on vehicles, a major barrier Tesla has sought to address in its negotiations with the Indian government. CEO Elon Musk has been advocating for lower tariffs, prompting discussions on potential policy revisions.
The development follows Musk’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, which spurred Tesla to accelerate its India plans. Shortly after, the company posted 13 job openings across customer service, sales, and operations roles, with positions based in Mumbai and Delhi. Reports suggest Tesla is also preparing to open another showroom in Delhi’s Aerocity as part of its expansion strategy.
The lease agreement for Tesla’s Mumbai showroom is among the highest commercial space deals in India, with a reported monthly rent of ₹35 lakh ($42,000), translating to ₹900 per square foot. The showroom’s proximity to Mumbai’s airport and major business hubs positions Tesla strategically for its India debut.
With the company now actively hiring and securing locations, Tesla’s entry into India appears imminent. However, its long-term success may hinge on the outcome of ongoing policy discussions regarding import duties and potential manufacturing investments in the country.
