Tesla India officials meet MoRTH secretary in Delhi and test drive Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 was seen with a company official taking the MoRTH secretary for a short test drive after a meeting in the nation’s capital.

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Giridhar Aramane, Secretary, MoRTH took a short test drive in the Tesla Model 3 with a company official

Enough has been said about Tesla’s coming to India. As the U.S. automaker examines potential dealer locations and electric cars are already tested for different agencies, the launch looks closer than ever. The recent meeting of the head of Tesla India with the secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Giridhar Aramane, in Delhi, adds to the speculation. Video shows the Tesla Model 3 at the government office, with the secretary in the passenger seat as the Tesla representative took the government official for a short test drive in the Model 3 sedan.

Read also: Tesla urged to increase location and share India plans before getting tax breaks

EXCLUSIVE: Tesla India official meets secretary of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. After the meeting, the secretary sat in the Tesla Model 3 and went for a short drive with the Tesla representative. @Elon Musk @You’re here pic.twitter.com/EwF9h23W2C

- Chetan Bhutani (@BhutaniChetan) September 15, 2024

While details of the meeting are being kept under wraps, it certainly adds hype to Tesla’s arrival in the country. In January of this year, co-founder Elon Musk confirmed the brand’s entry into India via a tweet. But unlike in previous years, there has been some movement on the pitch with the same. Tesla is said to be looking for spaces in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore for its showrooms in the upscale neighborhoods of the respective cities.

Tesla Model 3 could be the brand’s first offering in the country in standard and long-range options

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A previous report said Tesla had asked the Indian government if import duties could be reduced from 60-100% currently at 40%. In addition, the company also asked the government if the 10 percent welfare surcharge could be removed. Collected on all imported cars, it is used to fund health and education programs across the country. In its response, the Heavy Industries Ministry and the Finance Ministry asked Tesla to increase localization and share ramp-up plans while considering local car assembly, for any tax relief.

Read also: Tesla Model 3 spied again in India

There has been no update since on tax breaks for the electric car maker. It would also open a debate on why special favors are being given to Tesla as brands like Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Jaguar pay the full import duties to introduce electric cars here.

Tesla recently asked the Indian government for tax relief to reduce the cost of selling its CBU vehicles in the country

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Meanwhile, the Tesla Model 3 is expected to be the brand’s first offering in India. The entry-level sedan in the Tesla lineup costs between 35,000 and 44,000 (around 26-33 lakh) in the United States, but could exceed ₹ 60 lakh in India. Tesla could offer both standard and long-range versions of the car which offer 423 km and 568 km respectively.

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Source: Chetan Bhutani on Twitter

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