Tesla marks India entry with first showroom

TESLA unveiled its first showroom in India on Tuesday, marking its entry into the world's most populous country, as Elon Musk's electric vehicle company seeks new customers amid sagging sales in the United States and Europe.

- AFP

The store opened its doors in India's financial capital Mumbai to select visitors after its inauguration by Maharashtra state's chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The company which is targeting a niche but quickly growing electric vehicle market in India said that it was currently offering its Model Y car in India and would look to start rolling out deliveries of a cheaper variant later this quarter.

"This is the first launch of Tesla in India. It marks a huge milestone for Tesla globally," said Isabel Fan, the company's senior regional director, adding that charging stations would be set up in Mumbai and the capital New Delhi shortly.

While the showroom will open to the general public on Wednesday, curious onlookers and Tesla admirers braved Mumbai's heavy rains to catch a glimpse of the cars on display.