Tesla Begins Hiring in India

Tesla is initiating its hiring process in India, just shortly after CEO Elon Musk’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the United States. This move is indicated by the company’s job listings in Mumbai and Delhi, highlighting its desire to enhance its presence in the region.

Job Openings

In a recent post on LinkedIn, Tesla revealed it aims to fill at least 13 positions throughout India, covering both customer-facing and backend roles. Key job openings include:

• Order Operations Specialist
• Consumer Engagement Manager
• Service Manager
• Tesla Advisor
• Customer Support Specialist
• Inside Sales Advisor
• Business Operations Analyst
• Delivery Operations Specialist
• Parts Advisor
• Customer Support Supervisor
• Service Advisor
• Store Manager

Most of these positions are predominantly based in Mumbai.

Tesla’s Journey with India

The relationship between Tesla and India has been inconsistent for several years, primarily due to steep import duties on foreign vehicles. Recently, the Indian government reduced the basic customs duty on premium cars priced over $40,000 from 110% to 70%, making the market more appealing for Tesla.

India’s Green Initiatives

As the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, India is striving for a net-zero emissions target by 2070. With a rising middle class and an increasing interest in electric vehicles, India represents a significant opportunity for Tesla’s global expansion.

Elon Musk’s Vision for India

Elon Musk has expressed a keen interest in the Indian market, although he has referred to high import taxes as a considerable challenge. There were plans for him to visit India in April 2024 to meet PM Modi, fuelling speculation regarding Tesla’s potential manufacturing ambitions in the country. However, Musk rescheduled his trip, mentioning urgent business matters like layoffs and vehicle recalls happening in the US.

Government Support for EV Makers

The Indian government has now implemented a policy that lowers import duties for electric vehicle manufacturers willing to invest at least ₹4,150 crore ($500 million) in local production. Tesla’s recent job listings suggest that the company may be poised to seize this opportunity.

Future Prospects

While an official announcement regarding a Tesla factory in India has not yet been made, this hiring initiative signals that the company is preparing for a more substantial involvement in the Indian market.