Porsche's Troubles May Matter More to India

Donald Trump wants deals. One way to let him have them is for countries to roll out the red carpet for his head of government efficiency. At least, that's how New Delhi is assessing its chances of an early release from the threat of 26% reciprocal tariffs.

- Bloomberg

Wooing Elon Musk to get Tesla Inc. to sell its cars in the most-populous nation might pave the way for a trade agreement with Washington. That could be a bargaining chip with other global brands scouting for cheap manufacturing locations and large markets to sit out the US-China estrangement. India offers both. Yet, its bureaucracy remains notorious for scoring own goals. Faced with a once-in-a-generation opportunity, officials continue to miss the woods for the trees.

Take the unsavory legal dispute with Volkswagen AG, which came to India at the turn of the millennium with Skoda. It introduced Audi and Volkswagen brands in 2007, and Lamborghini and Porsche five years later. It has just a 2% share of sales. Nevertheless, the German automaker is staying put because it wants to develop the country as a base for exports. Struggling in nearly all of its main markets, Volkswagen needs to be able to sell in Southeast Asia, Africa, and West Asia, according to a report in the Morning Context, an Indian news website. Skoda exports 30% of the cars it makes in India.