In a significant development for the Indian automotive landscape, Tesla Inc. has announced the opening of 13 job positions across Mumbai and Delhi, signaling its intent to enter the Indian market. This move follows a recent meeting between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which has sparked excitement about the potential for Tesla's operations in India.
The job listings, available on Tesla's official LinkedIn page, include a variety of roles aimed at establishing a customer service division and supporting back-end operations. The positions range from Service Technicians and Service Managers to Customer Support Specialists and Delivery Operations Specialists. This diverse array of openings indicates Tesla's commitment to building a robust infrastructure to support its future presence in the country.
New Opportunity for Tesla in India?
Tesla's interest in entering the Indian market is not new, however, previous attempts have been hindered by high import duties on electric vehicles (EVs). Recently, the Indian government reduced customs tariffs on cars priced above $40,000 from 110% to 70%, creating a more favorable environment for Tesla's entry. This reduction is seen as a crucial factor that may finally allow Tesla to set up shop in India.
Tesla's Role Ahead In Manufacturing and Local Operations:
While specific plans for manufacturing in India have yet to be disclosed, Tesla could explore options under the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI). This scheme requires companies to invest at least ₹4,150 crores and localise components by a specified timeline. Given India's growing EV market,recording nearly 100,000 electric car sales last year; Tesla's entry could significantly impact the industry.
TBC's Insight:
India's push towards decarbonisation and increasing consumer demand for EVs present a promising opportunity for Tesla. As the country aims for net-zero emissions by 2070, it is poised to become a vital player in the global electric vehicle market.