Mr. Nitin Gadkari confirms Tesla coming to India in 'early 2021'

Tesla, the US clean energy and electric vehicle company, will 'launch operations' in India in early 2021, stated Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways and the Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, addressing The Indian Express Idea Exchange programme on Monday.

The minister highlighted the country's drive for electric cars and said several Indian businesses were also collaborating on electric vehicles that could be more affordable, but technically as advanced as the Tesla. According to Mr. Gadkari, Tesla would commence operations first with sales and then maybe look at assembly and manufacturing based on the response to the cars.

He added, “India is expected to become a number one manufacturing hub for auto in the next five years”.

In October 2020, Tesla CEO, Mr. Elon Musk stated that the company will come to India in 2021. In a tweet, he said, “Next year for sure,” replying to the company’s progress in India.

Recent reports say that the more affordable Tesla Model 3, booking for which could begin in a few weeks, would be the first model to come to India. The Economic Times article, however, said that sales will only occur in the second half of the year. The fully built units will be imported and are likely to be priced at Rs. 55 lakh (US$ 74.77 thousand). As in other parts of the world, Tesla would most likely manage sales directly.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.