Tesla Inc. has taken a significant step in its India expansion by launching its first Tesla showroom in India at Mumbai’s prominent business district, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). The landmark lease agreement marks a milestone for the electric vehicle (EV) giant as it sets its sights on tapping into India’s burgeoning demand for premium electric cars.
Tesla’s India arm, Tesla India Motors & Energy, has leased a 4,003 sq ft unit from Univco Properties LLP for a five-year tenure according to documents accessed by CRE Matrix. The agreement, registered in the last week, stipulates that the lease will commence on February 16, with a rent-free period extending until March 31.
The agreement was signed between Tesla and Maker Group entity to lease space on the ground floor of the 2 North Avenue commercial complex at Maker Maxity. The deal, at Rs 881 per sq ft, surpasses the previous record set by Apple Inc., which leased space at Rs 738 per sq ft in January. This agreement reflects the increasing demand for prime commercial real estate in Mumbai’s BKC area.
The company has made an initial security deposit of Rs 2.11 crore. During the first year, Tesla will pay a monthly rental of Rs 35.26 lakh, which will escalate by 5% annually, reaching Rs 42.86 lakh in the final year of tenancy. Additionally, the agreement includes a 36-month lock-in period for Tesla, ensuring long-term stability, while the landlord is restricted from terminating the lease during the entire duration.
It is anticipated that Tesla’s flagship location in India will be the showroom at Maker Maxity, demonstrating the company’s dedication to the Indian market. Tesla has been actively exploring opportunities in the country, engaging in discussions with government authorities, scouting showroom locations, and assessing potential manufacturing sites.
India represents a promising market for Tesla, given the increasing shift toward sustainable mobility and the government’s push for electric vehicle adoption. By establishing the first Tesla car showroom in India, the company aims to strengthen its foothold in one of the world’s fastest-growing automobile markets.
The company is firmly establishing its long-term goals in India with the opening of the first Tesla showroom in Mumbai. The deal highlights the company’s strategy to not only introduce its popular range of EVs but also lay the foundation for future expansion, potentially including local manufacturing.
With the Tesla India making its entry, Indian consumers and EV enthusiasts eagerly await the arrival of its cutting-edge electric vehicles. This in time will pave the way for a greener and more technologically advanced automotive landscape in the country.