Tesla Announces! First Tesla Vehicles Delivered in India
On September 27, Tao Lin, Vice President of Tesla, posted on Weibo: “The first batch of Tesla vehicles has officially commenced delivery in India, with all cars originating from the Shanghai factory.”
Tao Lin wrote on Weibo: “Congratulations to our new owners! We look forward to Tesla's products and services bringing a smooth and comfortable driving experience to more consumers worldwide.”
In July this year, Tesla's first showroom in India officially opened, marking the company's formal entry into the Indian market. Tesla's official website shows that the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive variant is priced at approximately 6 million Indian rupees (equivalent to $70,000), the highest among major markets; the Model Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive variant is priced at approximately 6.8 million Indian rupees (equivalent to $79,000).
At the time, market analysts noted that Tesla adopted a strategy of selling imported vehicles in India to address global factory overcapacity and declining sales, despite local tariffs and taxes reaching around 70%.
So, how has Tesla fared in the Indian market? In early September, media reports cited informed sources stating that since sales began in mid-July, the electric vehicle manufacturer had received only over 600 vehicle orders—a figure falling far short of the company's expectations.
Additionally, Tesla has broader plans for the Indian market. In August, the company posted job listings on its recruitment page seeking autonomous vehicle operators in Delhi and Mumbai. These prototype vehicle operators will be responsible for extended driving sessions in engineering vehicles to collect dynamic audio and camera data for testing and training purposes.
Recently, Tesla's US-listed shares have continued to climb. Deutsche Bank raised its target price for Tesla from $345 to $435. The upgrade primarily reflects Tesla's sustained leadership in the electric vehicle market, improved cost control, and stronger-than-expected growth in its energy storage business. The bank anticipates Tesla will maintain robust cash flow in the coming years and potentially expand its market share further.