Tesla has again begun scouting for showroom space in New Delhi, in what marks the rethink of its India entry, upon putting investment plans on the backburner earlier this year, Reuters has learned from two persons in the know.
The company is in nascent discussions with DLF to get space in Delhi, the two sources informed Reuters. The newswire could not elicit a response from both the firms.
One person in the know said that Tesla was looking at 3000 to 5000 square feet space to establish a consumer experience centre, and a space thrice this size for operations and delivery. Tesla is assessing several options, including DLF's Avenue Mall (South Delhi) and the retail complex and cyber hub office in Gurugram.
Musk said that he would meet Narendra Modi where he was slated to announce a USD 2-3 billion investment into the country. The Tesla chief, however, called off his visit at the last moment, after the company decided to let go of 10% of its staff on the back of declining sales, as per Reuters.
Tesla's search is 'exploratory' and nothing has been firmed up, the first person in the know said.
There was no clarity at the moment, as to whether the American auto firm will look at importing cars at a 100% tax rate, or make investment commitments under India's new policy, enabling it to import certain electric vehicles at a reduced rate of 15%, the newswire noted.
After Tesla backed out of its earlier investment plans, the Indian government is looking at easing some provisions in the policy, which has sparked interest from the likes of Toyota and Hyundai Motor, Reuters reported.
Tesla's scouting of showroom space in Delhi comes as Musk-owned Starlink mulls entering the Indian market, Reuters noted.