Tesla Expands into India with ₹35 Lakh BKC Showroom, ₹25 Lakh Aerocity Lease

Tesla has finalized its showroom space in Mumbai’s Maker Maxity, a commercial development in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), at a monthly rent of approximately ₹35 lakh. The showroom, covering around 3,000 square feet, is located on the ground floor of the commercial tower. The lease also includes a few parking spaces.

BKC is considered one of India’s most expensive commercial real estate hubs. The lease agreement for Tesla’s showroom in this location is among the highest rental deals recorded in the automobile sector. Further details of the lease agreement are yet to be confirmed, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.

Alongside the Mumbai showroom, Tesla has secured a second showroom space in Delhi’s Aerocity near Indira Gandhi International Airport. The Delhi showroom, spanning around 4,000 square feet, has been leased at ₹25 lakh per month. This space is located within a Brookfield property, and the lease agreement is part of Tesla’s broader plan to establish a presence in major Indian cities.

Tesla has been seeking showroom spaces in India since late 2023, following a pause in its market entry plans in 2022. The company’s move to finalize prime commercial spaces in Mumbai and Delhi signals its renewed focus on entering the Indian market.

Tesla’s decision to lease showroom spaces in BKC and Aerocity aligns with its strategy of establishing stores in high-profile locations. BKC serves as a key financial district in Mumbai, housing corporate offices, luxury brands, and high-end commercial properties. Aerocity in Delhi, located near the airport, is known for its premium hotels, office spaces, and global retail brands, making it a strategic choice for Tesla’s presence in North India.

Tesla has been exploring the Indian market for several years. In April 2023, Bharti Enterprises Limited (BEL) transferred its 51% stake in Rostrum Realty to Brookfield Group, followed by the transfer of the remaining stake in June 2024 to Brookfield India Real Estate Trust. This change in ownership of commercial properties in Aerocity coincides with Tesla’s leasing of showroom space in the area.

Tesla’s expansion efforts gained momentum after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tesla CEO Elon Musk in the United States. The discussions covered topics related to mobility, technology, and investment in India. Tesla has also recently posted job openings for various mid-level roles in India, including store management and customer relations, further indicating its intent to establish operations in the country.

Further details on Tesla’s business strategy in India, including possible manufacturing or assembly units, are yet to be disclosed. The company’s next steps will likely depend on government policies, infrastructure readiness for electric vehicles, and consumer demand for Tesla’s products in India.

Tesla’s choice of high-profile locations for its showrooms reflects its intent to position itself within key commercial districts. As the company moves forward with its India plans, more developments are expected in the coming months regarding its operations, pricing strategies, and potential expansion to other cities.

Image source- morphogenesis