Tesla's Indian leadership experience a shift as the market approaches
Tesla Expands Operations in India Amid Leadership Change
Tesla, the world-renowned electric vehicle manufacturer, is making significant strides in India, despite a change in leadership. Following the resignation of Prashanth Menon, who served as Tesla's India head and chairman of Tesla India Motors and Energy Pvt. for over four years, the company's operations in India are now overseen by Isabel Fan, the Regional Director for South East Asia.
Fan, who recently announced expansions such as the opening of Tesla’s second showroom in Delhi and plans for a wider supercharging network across key Indian metro areas, is leading the charge. Tesla officially launched its Model Y in India in mid-2025, starting deliveries expected in the third quarter of 2025. The company has already secured two showroom locations in India, with one in Mumbai and another in Delhi’s Aerocity.
Tesla is actively establishing supercharging infrastructure in multiple locations such as Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex, Lower Parel, Navi Mumbai, and Thane. Plans also include mobile servicing, remote diagnostics, service centers, and approved collision centers within India to support its customers.
In addition to its expansion plans, Tesla is also preparing for a longer-term commitment to local production. The company is scouting for manufacturing plant locations in states like Maharashtra and Gujarat with a potential $2-$3 billion investment. Industry experts view Tesla’s entry as a significant catalyst for the Indian EV market, expected to intensify competition, boost investment, and encourage innovation by domestic players.
Tesla is also reportedly exploring a lower-cost vehicle tailored to the Indian market, while addressing challenges like adapting to local conditions and price competition.
Amidst these developments, Tesla is also hiring for various roles in India. Job openings range from store managers to service and customer service roles, and notably, Tesla has started hiring for Autopilot Vehicle Operators to test and validate self-driving software on local roads in India.
It's worth noting that Menon played a key role in setting up Tesla's local office in Pune in 2021 and led efforts to secure the company's first showroom leases in Mumbai and Delhi earlier this year. Menon's departure, reportedly due to personal reasons, marks a new chapter for Tesla in India.
The report about Menon's departure was published by Bloomberg. Tesla has not yet named a successor to fill Menon's position.
As Tesla moves closer to officially launching vehicle sales in India, the company is poised to make a significant impact on the Indian market, contributing to the growth of electric vehicles and the broader automotive industry.
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