Tesla's Model Y (facelift) was recently spotted on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, as auto enthusiasts saw the vehicle covered in camouflage and being tested on Indian roads.
The launch of Tesla is a keenly awaited one and may well be a precursor to the pioneering auto company’s eventual plans to manufacture or assemble in India.
The American multinational automotive and clean energy firm will begin its first phase with direct imports from its German Gigafactory as reported by Moneycontrol earlier. Well-informed sources told Moneycontrol that the Elon Musk-led company has been dissuaded by Indian government officials to import any car from its Shanghai gigafactory in China.
Meanwhile, a video the Tesla's Y model being tested in India has been uploaded on X by Ashish Pol.
@volklub Tesla testing on Mumbai pune express way pic.twitter.com/2s2FWiyJ2B
Ashish Pol (@ashishpol86) April 15, 2025
Seems like the Tesla Model Y being tested in India was spotted earlier too alongside the older Model Y without camouflage.Do you think this indicates at something?Also the rumours of a stripped down model for the country are there but there are full light bars in both https://t.co/IP0J7J6D6R pic.twitter.com/3YmKcASE0l Ishan Agarwal (@ishanagarwal24) April 17, 2025
Elon Musk had said in 2022 that Tesla, which was earlier seeking a reduction in import duties to sell its vehicles in India, would not manufacture its products unless it is allowed to first sell and service its cars in the country.
In August 2021, Musk had said that Tesla may set up a manufacturing unit in India if it first succeeds with imported vehicles in the country. He had said Tesla wanted to launch its vehicles in India “but import duties are the highest in the world by far of any large country!” At present, cars imported as completely built units (CBUs) attract customs duty ranging from 70 per cent to 100 per cent, depending on the engine size and cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value.
*With Agency Inputs
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
