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Automaker Maruti Suzuki said on Wednesday it will standardize six airbags across its Ertiga and Baleno models, a move that will lead to a modest increase in prices as the company pushes to make advanced safety features the norm across its portfolio.

The price of the Ertiga will rise by 1.4 percent, while the Baleno will see a 0.5 percent increase, with the revised ex-showroom prices effective July 16, the company said in an exchange filing.

The announcement comes as Maruti Suzuki plans to equip all its passenger vehicles with six airbags by the end of 2025. As per reports, Maruti Suzuki currently offers 10 models with six airbags, including the Alto K10, Swift, Dzire and Brezza. 

The passenger vehicle market hit a rough patch in June 2025, as three of the country’s largest carmakers - Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor India, and Tata Motors - reported double-digit declines in domestic wholesale sales, highlighting a mix of weak urban demand, high dealer inventories and price sensitivity in the small car segment amid regulatory cost pressures.

Maruti Suzuki posted a 13 percent drop in domestic passenger vehicle dispatches, delivering 118,906 units compared to 137,160 units in the same month last year. The company’s mini-segment cars, including the Alto and S-Presso, saw sales fall to 6,414 units from 9,395, while compact models like the Baleno, Celerio, Dzire, Ignis, Swift, and WagonR declined to 54,177 units from 64,049 units a year earlier. Overall, Maruti Suzuki reported total sales of 167,993 units for June 2025, down from 179,228 units in June 2024.

Utility vehicles, including the Grand Vitara, Brezza, Ertiga, XL6, and Jimny, also saw a dip, with sales falling to 47,947 units from 52,373 units in the year-ago period.

Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer at Maruti Suzuki India, attributed the slump to affordability challenges in the small car segment, even as the broader economy continues to grow.

He said, "The slowdown in PV sales is largely due to a sharp decline in the smaller segment cars. Historically, PV sales used to grow at 1.5 times the GDP growth. But now, even after 6.5% GDP growth, the car market is nearly flat. This is because the once mass small car segment is not participating in the growth at all. This is clearly an affordability issue."

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/june-2025-auto-sales-dip-amidst-subdued-demand-maruti-hyundai-tata-post-sharp-decline-72724.htm">Read more: June 2025 auto sales dip amidst subdued demand; Maruti, Hyundai, Tata post sharp decline</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/maruti-suzukis-standalone-profit-drops-by-4-28-to-rs-3711-crore-in-q4-fy25-63319.htm">Read more: Maruti Suzuki's Q4 profit drops 4.28% amidst rising ad and plant expenses</a>



Maruti Suzuki just made this safety feature standard. But it will cost you

Tesla’s official entry into the Indian market has come with a high-voltage real estate play, as Elon Musk’s electric vehicle (EV) giant has leased premium properties in Mumbai, making its Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) showroom the costliest automobile retail center in the country.

According to property registration documents accessed by CRE Matrix, Tesla has rented 4,000 sq ft of showroom space at Maker Maxity Mall in BKC for ₹23.38 crore over five years. The lease, signed in February 2025, comes with a staggering rate of ₹881 per sq ft — a national record for auto showroom rentals — and includes two parking spaces.

This high-profile investment was inaugurated on July 15 by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who hailed Tesla’s choice of Mumbai as a sign of confidence in the state. “The inauguration of the Tesla Experience Centre is a statement that Tesla has arrived in the right city and the right state — Mumbai and Maharashtra,” he said, while also extending an invitation to the EV major to set up R&D and manufacturing operations in the state.

In addition to the showroom, Tesla has taken up two more properties within a 10-km radius of BKC, further solidifying its presence in India’s most expensive commercial hub. These include:

A Vehicle Service Centre: Tesla has leased a 24,565 sq ft facility at Lodha Logistics Park in Kurla for ₹24.38 crore over five years. The deal includes a monthly rent starting at ₹37.53 lakh with a 5% annual escalation, ₹1.62 crore in common area maintenance charges, and a security deposit of ₹2.25 crore.

A Flex Office Space: Tesla has also rented 30 seats in a co-working space at Phoenix Market City near BKC, paying ₹3 lakh per month under a one-year lease with a three-month lock-in period.

Combined, these Mumbai leases reflect Tesla’s aggressive real estate strategy, totaling over ₹50 crore in commitments — a significant statement of intent in what is poised to become one of the world's fastest-growing EV markets.

Separately, Tesla is also eyeing Delhi, with reports claiming that that the company has finalized a 4,000 sq ft showroom in Aerocity, near Indira Gandhi International Airport. The monthly rent is pegged at around ₹25 lakh, indicating another high-value addition to Tesla’s expanding India portfolio.

With flagship properties in Mumbai and Delhi, Tesla appears to be building a premium presence in India from day one — and doing so at a record-breaking price point.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/tesla-debuts-in-india-with-mumbai-showroom-and-a-flood-of-memes-74672.htm">Read More: Tesla debuts in India with Mumbai showroom - and a flood of memes</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/tesla-the-electrifying-rise-controversies-and-the-legacy-behind-the-name-74575.htm">Read More: Tesla: The electrifying rise, controversies, and the legacy behind the name</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/from-dog-mode-to-dual-screens-teslas-model-y-promises-a-smarter-drive-for-india-74671.htm">Read More: From Dog Mode to Dual Screens! Tesla’s Model Y promises a smarter drive for India</a>

Tesla spends big on Mumbai showroom, making it India's costliest auto center

Tesla has officially plugged into the Indian market, opening its first showroom at Maker Maxity Mall in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).

The milestone moment for Elon Musk's EV giant was met with a warm welcome from Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group.

<strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/tesla-debuts-in-india-with-mumbai-showroom-and-a-flood-of-memes-74672.htm">Tesla debuts in India with Mumbai showroom - and a flood of memes</a>

Taking to X, Mahindra shared a screenshot of a tweet exchange from 2017 where he had invited Musk to bring Tesla to India. In his latest post, Mahindra wrote: "Welcome to India @elonmusk and @Tesla. One of the world's largest EV opportunities just got more exciting. Competition drives innovation, and there's plenty of road ahead. Looking forward to seeing you at the charging station."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome to India, <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tesla</a>.<br><br>One of the world’s largest EV opportunities just got more exciting.<br><br>Competition drives innovation, and there’s plenty of road ahead.<br><br>Looking forward to seeing you at the charging station. <a href="https://t.co/7Uh2ziV0fp">pic.twitter.com/7Uh2ziV0fp</a></p>&mdash; anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) <a href="https://twitter.com/anandmahindra/status/1945051459940172143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The screenshot he posted featured his original 2017 tweet reacting to Musk's comment about India planning to sell only electric cars by 2030. At the time, Mahindra had playfully remarked: "Time you got out here, Elon. You don't want to leave the whole market to Mahindra, do you? The more the merrier and greener."

To which Musk had replied, "Good point."

Now, eight years on, that light-hearted invitation has turned prophetic. Tesla's India debut includes the launch of the Model Y SUV, available in two variants: Real-wheel drive at Rs 60.1 lakh, Long-range variant at Rs 67.8 lakh.

Despite the excitement, Tesla faces a price disadvantage in India due to steep import duties, making the Model Y significantly costlier than in the US, China, or Germany.

<strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/fadnavis-welcomes-tesla-to-mumbai-says-not-just-a-car-but-a-symbol-of-sustainability-74554.htm">Fadnavis welcomes Tesla to Mumbai; says ‘not just a car, but a symbol of sustainability’</a>

'Welcome to India': Anand Mahindra resurfaces old tweet to Elon Musk after Tesla's India debut

Elon Musk's electric vehicle giant opened its first Indian showroom at the plush Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai today. The company has also launched the Model Y SUV, priced at Rs 60 lakh, sparking equal parts excitement and meme-worthy chaos across social media platforms.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik. But beyond the glitz of the launch, the real buzz happened online - with trending news turning into meme gold.

<strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/tesla-debuts-in-mumbai-with-first-showroom-heres-the-full-price-list-of-its-evs-in-india-74555.htm">Tesla debuts in Mumbai with first showroom. Here's the full price list of its EVs in India</a> 

<strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/fadnavis-welcomes-tesla-to-mumbai-says-not-just-a-car-but-a-symbol-of-sustainability-74554.htm">Fadnavis welcomes Tesla to Mumbai; says ‘not just a car, but a symbol of sustainability’</a> 

Check out some of the most hilarious social media reactions below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tesla showroom opens in Mumbai… now potholes have a smarter car to bully. <a href="https://t.co/KRyu0RbRQ2">pic.twitter.com/KRyu0RbRQ2</a></p>&mdash; Biks (@bharathshettyy) <a href="https://twitter.com/bharathshettyy/status/1945018726623191149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Could there be a more perfect photo showing Tesla&#39;s new Mumbai experience centre? <a href="https://t.co/2a2sFDcdob">https://t.co/2a2sFDcdob</a> <a href="https://t.co/TLpvvt3lsg">pic.twitter.com/TLpvvt3lsg</a></p>&mdash; Adam Warden ?? Ex ?? (@Adam_and_EVs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Adam_and_EVs/status/1943458244338618690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">While tesla open showroom in india<br>But Indians with car ? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeslaIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeslaIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/teslainindia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#teslainindia</a> <a href="https://t.co/1WeSyhtFSh">pic.twitter.com/1WeSyhtFSh</a></p>&mdash; ʀᴀᴠɪɴᴀ (@RavinaMedico) <a href="https://twitter.com/RavinaMedico/status/1945048532102099435?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Scenes after Tesla opens showroom in India.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeslaIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeslaIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeslaSHOWROOM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeslaSHOWROOM</a> <a href="https://t.co/vY7YlFlYWc">pic.twitter.com/vY7YlFlYWc</a></p>&mdash; Rajabets ??? (@rajabetsindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajabetsindia/status/1945032912979587265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">*Tesla launched in India*<br><br>Coming back after riding Tesla on self-driving mode in India <a href="https://t.co/oO3KMA3E46">pic.twitter.com/oO3KMA3E46</a></p>&mdash; Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey) <a href="https://twitter.com/HaramiParindey/status/1945017019570774399?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tesla vehicles can detect potholes.<br>Am eagerly waiting to see how Tesla is going to handle roads on potholes ?? all the best <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tesla</a> <a href="https://t.co/R9dPyWHmCy">https://t.co/R9dPyWHmCy</a></p>&mdash; Thamizhan (@Thamizhan_No1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Thamizhan_No1/status/1945076431182033268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Namaste India ?<br><br>Tesla Y model is available in India now <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> <a href="https://t.co/v6uRywbNJs">pic.twitter.com/v6uRywbNJs</a></p>&mdash; Ravinder Kapur. (@RavinderKapur2) <a href="https://twitter.com/RavinderKapur2/status/1945076174595481629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tesla gonna change Indian Electric vehicle market for forever <a href="https://t.co/6pz5QM8iX6">pic.twitter.com/6pz5QM8iX6</a></p>&mdash; pirates of memes (@processor140429) <a href="https://twitter.com/processor140429/status/1945075905652486199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/r6URE29p2b">https://t.co/r6URE29p2b</a><br><br>People rushing to buy latest Tesla</p>&mdash; Feroz_Khan (@Feroz_2023_Khan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Feroz_2023_Khan/status/1945074907475300718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/from-dog-mode-to-dual-screens-teslas-model-y-promises-a-smarter-drive-for-india-74671.htm">From Dog Mode to Dual Screens! Tesla’s Model Y promises a smarter drive for India</a> 

Tesla debuts in India with Mumbai showroom - and a flood of memes

Tesla’s much-anticipated entry into the Indian market is finally here and it’s not just bringing an EV, but a whole new way of thinking about cars. With the launch of the Model Y, Tesla isn’t just targeting tech-savvy enthusiasts or premium buyers, it’s offering a compelling lifestyle upgrade that blends smart mobility, sustainability and cutting-edge innovation.

<strong>Accessible Premium Pricing</strong>

Starting at Rs 59.89 lakh, the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive variant places itself smartly against rivals like the BMW iX1 (Rs 56.35L), Kia EV6 (Rs 65.9L) and Hyundai Ioniq 5 (Rs 46L). For those seeking premium performance without an over-the-top price tag, it’s a serious contender.

<strong>High-Tech, Inside and Out</strong>

From its signature 15.4-inch touchscreen dashboard to the 7.2-inch rear display, Tesla’s interface is a digital playground for drivers and passengers alike. And with Tesla Arcade, long charging stops become entertainment breaks.

<strong>FSD & Range for the Long Haul</strong>

While India may not be FSD-ready, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving suite still brings enhanced ADAS features that reduce fatigue. With a real-world range of up to 622 km, long drives between cities become worry-free.

<strong>Interior That Feels First-Class</strong>

Tesla’s updated interiors bring improved materials, better comfort and practicality, including a powered recliner and over 2,100L of cargo space, making road trips and family drives both classy and convenient.

<strong>Features That Fit Modern Life</strong>

Whether it’s ‘Dog Mode’ for pet parents or top-tier safety tech for families, Tesla adapts to the needs of India’s evolving consumers. The upcoming Supercharger network in key metros only adds to the promise of convenience.

Read More: 

From Dog Mode to Dual Screens! Tesla’s Model Y promises a smarter drive for India

The Indian auto industry on Tuesday welcomed a new player in the fledgling electric car market--billionaire Elon Musk-owned Tesla Inc. After a long stalemate with the Indian government over manufacturing, import, and taxes debate, the US-based auto giant has finally made a debut in India at at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai.

Tesla has launched three car models in the Indian market-Model Y SUV, along with two variants, Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) priced at Rs 59.89 lakh and the Long Range RWD at Rs 67.89 lakh (ex-showroom). 

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/tesla-collaborates-with-acko-appoints-it-as-insurance-partner-74632.html">Tesla collaborates with ACKO; appoints it as insurance partner</a>

Currently, the domestic Passenger EV market is dominated by three mega players--Tata Motors (55% market share), and Hyundai Motors India (15% market share), respectively. On the other hand,  Mahindra and MG Motor are the distant third in the PV EV category at present. Maruti Suzuki India, which is the largest player in the PV category, is set make a debut in the EV category this year.

According to the annual report of Tata Motors, the company has sold more than 2 lakh units of EVs as of March 31, 2025. The maker of Currv, Nexon, and Tiago EV brands registered a revenue of Rs 8,187 crore in fiscal year 2025. Tata Motors' JLR arm is also working to transform its UK plant for EV production.

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/tesla-the-electrifying-rise-controversies-and-the-legacy-behind-the-name-74575.html">Tesla: The electrifying rise, controversies, and the legacy behind the name</a>

Auto giant Maruti Suzuki, which has not disclosed its FY25 EVs statistic yet, however, cut its maiden e-Vitara's production plans from 26,500 units to 8,200 units in the April and September period due to a supply crisis. Additionally, the company has also scaled back its lineup of EV launches to 4 instead of six by the end of 2030. As per the media reports, the automaker has indicated that it will launch the Fronx EV and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in the upcoming years. 

Hyundai Motor India,  which made a market debut in Indian stock exchanges in October 2024, has launched two PV EVs to date--Creta electric and Ioniq. 

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/tesla-debuts-in-mumbai-with-first-showroom-heres-the-full-price-list-of-its-evs-in-india-74555.html">Tesla debuts in Mumbai with first showroom. Here’s the full price list of its EVs in India</a>

Mahindra & Mahindra launched BE6 and XEV9e last year, with the former clocking 30,179 bookings on Day 1. The company is a leading player in the wheeler EV segment already.

According to industry experts, the government's push for green mobility, affordable pricing, and improvement in technology are the driving factors behind automakers' optimism in manufacturing electric cars. 

Additionally, as inflation cools down and spending picks up, automakers are launching electric vehicle (EV) models under Rs 25 lakh to broaden their customer base. Tata Motors, the EV market leader, offers models priced between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 22 lakh. In contrast, Hyundai has introduced two distinct EV models: the Creta Electric, starting at Rs 17.99 lakh (ex-showroom), and the IONIQ 5, priced at Rs 46.05 lakh (ex-showroom), targeting different segments of consumers.

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/hyundai-motor-india-posts-rs-5640-cr-profit-in-fy25-bets-big-on-evs-global-exports-66220.html">Hyundai Motor India posts Rs  5,640  cr profit in FY25, bets big on EVs, global exports</a>

The Indian government has also taken several initiatives to promote EV adoption, such as  Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME) scheme,  the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, cuts in EV import duties or EVs priced over US$35,000 from 100% to just 15 percent, among others.

According to the Global Clean Investment Monitor report, India's electric four-wheeler manufacturing capacity is projected to grow to 2.5 million units by 2030. The domestic EV car demand is expected to reach between 430,000 and 1.4 million units by he end of the decade from 1 lakh in 2024.


While the competition to become the EV leader intensifies, consumers will be the ultimate winners, with a wider range of options to choose from.

Indian auto giants rev up for battle as Tesla enters domestic market

As Tesla enters the Indian market, it has appointed ACKO as its preferred insurer for the country.

According to the company, this strategic collaboration means that Tesla owners can expect a fully integrated journey-quote to cover to
claim, entirely digital, beautifully minimal and calibrated for high-performance machines and the people who drive them.

“Tesla has revolutionised the automotive industry; our ambition is to redefine how that innovation is protected,” said Animesh Das, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, ACKO GI. “Tesla didn’t just build a car; they rebuilt the idea of what a car is. At ACKO, we asked ourselves: can we do the same for insurance? The result is something quiet, responsive, and human—just like how the best tech should feel.”

The association is aimed to simplify car-ownership through intelligent technology. By embedding insurance directly into the car-buying experience, Tesla and ACKO aim to reduce complexity, enhance customer convenience, and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in India.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/tesla-the-electrifying-rise-controversies-and-the-legacy-behind-the-name-74575.htm">Tesla: The electrifying rise, controversies, and the legacy behind the name</a>

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/tesla-debuts-in-mumbai-with-first-showroom-heres-the-full-price-list-of-its-evs-in-india-74555.htm">Tesla debuts in Mumbai with first showroom. Here's the full price list of its EVs in India</a>

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/fadnavis-welcomes-tesla-to-mumbai-says-not-just-a-car-but-a-symbol-of-sustainability-74554.htm">Fadnavis welcomes Tesla to Mumbai; says ‘not just a car, but a symbol of sustainability’</a>

Tesla collaborates with ACKO; appoints it as preferred insurer

Tesla, the world's most talked-about electric vehicle (EV) brand, opened its first official showroom in India on July 16, 2025, at the upscale Maker Maxity Mall in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).

This marks a major milestone moment for Tesla as it sets foot in one of the fastest-growing EV markets globally.

However, the company's road to global prominence has been full of dramatic turns, bold innovations, and public controversies.

<strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/tesla-debuts-in-mumbai-with-first-showroom-heres-the-full-price-list-of-its-evs-in-india-74555.htm">Tesla debuts in Mumbai with first showroom. Here's the full price list of its EVs in India</a> 

<strong>From Eberhard to Musk: The founding years</strong>

Tesla Motors was founded in July 2003 by engineers Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, who envisioned building sleek, high-performance electric vehicles that could compete with gasoline-powered cars.

The company was named after Serbian-American inventor Nikola Tesla, whose pioneering work with alternating current (AC) electricity laid the foundation for modern electrical systems.

According to a 2006 interview with Wired, Eberhard recounted that he first suggested the name "Tesla" to his then-girlfriend (now wife) while dining at Disneyland's Blue Bayou restaurant, inspired by the inventor's underappreciated genius in electrical engineering.

Elon Musk, who joined Tesla in 2004 after leading the company's initial $6.5 million Series A funding round, became chairman of the board and later assumed the role of CEO.

His influence soon redefined the company's direction - from the release of the Tesla Roadster in 2008, to the subsequent success of models like Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y.

<strong>Controversies and Criticism</strong>

While Tesla's innovations have drawn praise, its history is peppered with controversies that continue to spark debate:

- <strong>Autopilot and Full-Self Driving (FSD)</strong>: Regulators and safety experts have repeatedly raised concerns over how Tesla markets its Autopilot and FSD features. Multiple fatal crashes involving Tesla vehicles in semi-autonomous mode have prompted investigations from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

- <strong>Elon Musk's public behaviour:</strong> Musk's use of social media, particularly on X, has often landed him in hot water - from making erratic market-moving statements to insulting critics and regulators. His 2018 tweet claiming he had funding secured to take Tesla private led to a lawsuit and a $40 million settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

- <strong>SolarCity Deal:</strong> Critics and shareholders questioned Tesla's acquisition of SolarCity, a company founded by Musk's cousins. The $2.6 billion deal led to a shareholder lawsuit, alleging it was a bailout of a failing business. Musk was ultimately cleared of wrongdoing in a Delaware court ruling in 2022.

- <strong>Labour and workplace issues:</strong> The company's rapid expansion has led to multiple production and delivery challenges, especially during the Model 3 ramp-up. In 2018, Musk described the ordeal as "production hell."

<strong>Tesla's India Moment</strong>

India's EV policy push and growing environmental consciousness made the country a long-anticipated destination for Tesla.

The BKC launch signals the beginning of its India chapter, with local sourcing and eventual assembly expected to follow.

The debut comes after years of speculation and regulatory hurdles, and is expected to cater initially to high-net-worth individuals with premium offerings like the Model 3 and Model Y. 

<strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/fadnavis-welcomes-tesla-to-mumbai-says-not-just-a-car-but-a-symbol-of-sustainability-74554.htm">Fadnavis welcomes Tesla to Mumbai; says ‘not just a car, but a symbol of sustainability’</a> 

Tesla: The electrifying rise, controversies, and the legacy behind the name

Ola Electric Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Bhavish Aggarwal has dismissed the report, claiming that Maharashtra authorities are shutting down 90 percent of the company's showrooms due to a lack of permits for storing vehicles.

In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Aggarwal said his company has not received any official communication from the state government regarding the shutdown of stores. 

A media report has mentioned that Maharashtra's transport authority had sent a letter to Ola Electric on July 3 stating that action would be taken against the 2-wheeler EV manufacturer for insufficient valid trade certificates. 

Ola Electric has a total of 450 stores in the state at present, and is a key market for the company, accounting for 12% of the total sales in the last fiscal year.

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/ola-electric-losses-wident-to-rs-428-crore-in-q1-fy26-yoy-auto-cell-sales-plunge-by-94-7-74369.html">Ola Electric losses widen to Rs 428 crore in Q1 FY26 YoY; Auto, cell sales plunge 94.7%</a>

Separately, Ola Electric declared its Quarter 1 results for the fiscal year 2026 on Monday. 

The Bengaluru-headquartered company registered a loss of Rs 428 crore in Q1 FY26 compared to Rs 347 crore in the corresponding quarter last fiscal. The auto segment losses increased to Rs 261 crore in the April to June quarter (Q1) in FY2026 as against Rs 209 crore in Q1 FY25. While the cell segment's losses climbed to Rs 69 crore in Q1 FY26, as against Rs 37 crore.

In an exchange filing, Ola Electric has anticipated vehicle volumes between 3,25,000 - 3,75,000 and revenue surging to be around Rs 4,200-Rs 4,700 crore.

Aggarwal's company has pinned hope on Gen 3 Scooters and Roadster bikes for the current fiscal year. " We see strong momentum of our new products - Gen 3 scooters and the Roadster bike leading into the festive season".

<a href="https://cms.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/ola-electric-losses-rise-by-106-to-rs-870-crore-in-q4fy25-67927.html">Ola Electric losses rise by 106% to Rs 870 crore in Q4FY25</a>

As per the Q1FY26 report, Gen 3 products accounted for almost 80% of scooter sales in Q1 FY26.

Besides, the company has expected that the auto EBITDA will turn positive and the business will generate operating cash flow later in FY26. 

As of June 30, 2025, Ola Electric EBITDA stood at a loss of 11.6 percent. 

The company has projected that the  auto capex would largely be around 3,300 crore (including capitalised R&D). 

Bhavish Aggarwal denies report of Ola Electric's showroom shutdowns in Maharashtra

Tesla has officially entered the Indian market, opening its first showroom at the upscale Maker Maxity Mall in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) on Tuesday. The highly anticipated move marks the electric vehicle (EV) giant's first physical footprint in one of the world's fastest-growing EV markets.

The Mumbai outlet will act as Tesla's flagship customer experience centre in India, allowing prospective buyers to get a closer look at the brand's design, technology, and innovation. The company is kicking off its India journey with the Model Y SUV, which has already been imported into the country in limited units for display and test drives.

According to Tesla's website, the Model Y rear-wheel drive variant is price at Rs 60 lakh, while the long-range variant will cost Rs 68 lakh - both as completely built units (CBUs).

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These price tags are significantly higher than Tesla's base pricing in markets like the U.S. (starting at $44,900), China (263,500 yuan), and Germany (45,970 euros), primarily due to steep  import duties levied in India.

The vehicles are being imported from Tesla's Gigafactory in Shanghai, which is also the production hub for several of the company's international markets. For now, Tesla has imported six Model Y units into India for its launch operations.

In addition to the vehicles, Tesla has imported Supercharger infrastructure and accessories worth nearly $1 million, sourced from the U.S. and China. These Superchargers are expected to be installed in and around Mumbai to support early adopters and facilitate long-distance EV driving.

to further bolster its support network, Tesla is also setting up a dedicated service centre in Kurla West, Mumbai, which will handle after-sales support and vehicle servicing. 

Tesla already has a registered office in Bengaluru and an engineering hub in Pune, signalling a long-term interest in the Indian EV ecosystem.

In the run-up to the launch, Tesla teased its entry on social media via its India-specific X handle. The post read "Coming Soon," accompanied by a visual hinting at a July 2025 debut.

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