Jul 18, 2025, 18:27
Tesla formally entered the Indian market on July 15, 2025, unveiling the Model Y SUV in two variants—Rear-Wheel Drive (₹60 lakh) and Long-Range AWD (₹68–68.9 lakh)—equating to US $70,000–79,000 due to steep 70% import + luxury taxes
Al Jazeera
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Reuters
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Indiatimes
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. The launch at its Mumbai Bandra Kurla Complex showroom was attended by Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, with deliveries expected in Q3 2025
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The Times of India
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Tesla opened “Order Now” on its platform, sparking memes dubbing it “TAX‑LA in India” as social platforms criticized the inflated pricing—nearly double U.S. rates—and questioned bending to tariff structures
www.ndtv.com
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Indiatimes
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. Despite the humor, experts note Tesla will compete with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, and BYD in the 4% luxury EV segment, rather than domestic EV makers like Tata or Mahindra
Indiatimes
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Reuters
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Al Jazeera
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Tesla’s roadmap includes expanding showrooms to Delhi and supercharger network in Mumbai/New Delhi, though production and R&D commitments remain unclear. With the government weighing tariff cuts linked to local manufacturing pledges, Tesla is keen to test demand first, echoing a strategic "game of chicken.” Success depends on price parity adjustments and localization—key if Tesla aims for deeper penetration beyond the niche luxury segment .