Tesla Inc is scouting for locations to open showrooms in three Indian cities and has hired an executive to lead its lobbying and business efforts ahead of its planned entry into the country, sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters.
The electric car maker in January registered a local company in India, where it is expected to import and sell the Model 3 sedan by as early as mid-2021, seeking to target rich customers in a niche market.
The world’s most valuable auto maker by market capitalisation is looking for commercial properties as large as 20,000-30,000 square feet each to open showrooms and service centres in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, three sources said.
Separately, Tesla has recruited Manuj Khurana, a former executive of India’s investment promotion body Invest India, in the first major hire to lead its policy and business development efforts in the country, two other sources said.
Tesla did not respond to a request for comment, while Khurana declined to comment.
In October, Tesla CEO Elon Musk had said on Twitter the company will enter India in 2021 “for sure”.
