Tesla's long-awaited entry into the Indian market seems to be gaining momentum as the company announces new job openings in India. This development follows a high-profile meeting between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the United States. The meeting raised expectations regarding Tesla's future investments and manufacturing plans in India. With the announcement of 13 job openings across key cities, Tesla’s entry into the Indian market now seems closer than ever.
Tesla's Job Openings in India
Tesla’s hiring spree in India includes a variety of roles, ranging from customer-facing positions to back-end operations. These openings mark a significant step toward the company’s anticipated market entry, and the positions are spread across major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The available roles are designed to support both operational and customer service functions.
List of Tesla Job Openings in India:
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Inside Sales Advisor
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Customer Support Supervisor
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Customer Support Specialist
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Service Advisor
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Order Operations Specialist
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Service Manager
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Tesla Advisor
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Parts Advisor
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Business Operations Analyst
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Store Manager
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Service Technician
Job Locations:
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Delhi
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Mumbai
According to a Bloomberg report, at least five of these positions are specifically in advisory and service technician roles based in Delhi and Mumbai, while customer engagement and delivery operations roles are primarily focused in Mumbai.
Tesla’s Complex History with India
Tesla has faced numerous obstacles in entering the Indian market, with high import tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) being a major roadblock. Elon Musk has long criticized the high import duties, which initially hindered Tesla’s efforts to launch in India. However, recent policy changes have made the Indian market more attractive to international EV manufacturers like Tesla.
India’s EV Market: A Growing Opportunity
India, the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, is looking to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. With an increasing number of middle-class and high-income consumers, the country is emerging as a key market for electric vehicles. The government’s recent policy changes, including the reduction of import duties on electric cars, have further fueled interest among global automakers.
Key Policy Changes Favoring EV Manufacturers:
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Customs Duty Reduction: The Indian government reduced the basic customs duty on expensive cars (priced above USD 40,000) from 110% to 70%. This move is part of India’s broader push for decarbonization and makes India a more viable market for EVs.
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Incentives for Local Manufacturing: Manufacturers who invest at least Rs 41.5 billion (USD 500 million) in domestic manufacturing will benefit from reduced import duties. This policy change provides a significant incentive for Tesla to establish production operations in India.
Tesla’s Previous Interest and Hesitations
For years, Tesla and India have been in discussions, with the company showing interest in entering the Indian market. However, the high import duties on foreign-made electric cars remained a significant obstacle. India’s luxury EV import taxes were among the highest in the world, with duties as high as 110%.
Despite the hurdles, India’s growing consumer base and the government's push for a greener economy have made the country an increasingly attractive market for Tesla. The reduction in import duties, along with other incentives, has created a more favourable environment for Tesla’s future operations.
Musk’s Delayed Visit to India and Future Plans
Elon Musk’s planned visit to India in April 2024, which was expected to include discussions on Tesla’s investment and manufacturing plans, was ultimately cancelled due to urgent matters in the US, such as layoffs and car recalls. However, the new job postings and recent developments suggest that Tesla's commitment to India remains strong.
While the full-scale launch of Tesla in India is still in the works, these job openings signal that the company is preparing for a significant presence in the country. With India’s evolving EV landscape and Tesla’s long-term vision for sustainable growth, the company's future in the Indian market looks promising.
Tesla’s latest job postings in India represent a significant step toward the company's long-awaited entry into the country. With policy changes, reduced import duties, and an expanding EV market, India is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for Tesla’s operations. As the company moves forward with its plans, it is likely to have a strong impact on India's automotive and electric vehicle industries.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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