The entry of Tesla into India's electric vehicle (EV) market has sparked discussions, but BMW Group India remains optimistic. According to Vikram Pawah, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group India, the company is not concerned by the competition. Instead, they see it as an opportunity to expand the market for electric vehicles. Pawah emphasized that competition in the sector helps the market grow benefiting all players involved.
BMW's sales numbers demonstrate positive growth in the Indian EV market. In the first quarter of 2025, BMW moved 646 units, which is more than 50% of its 2024 sales total. The company's target for EV sales in India remains at 15% of its overall sales for 2025, a goal Pawah feels confident about surpassing.
Electric vehicle sales at BMW Group India have experienced constant growth. In 2024, the company's global electric vehicle sales grew 13.5% due to success in the BMW and MINI brand markets. BMW achieved sales of 3,68,523 electric vehicles, and MINI delivered 56,181 electric vehicles globally. The company maintains a positive outlook since it has surpassed 1,249 electric car sales in India across its brands and achieved a 7% growth in first-quarter 2025 sales numbers.
Pawah confirmed that BMW remains on track to meet its goal of 15% electric vehicle sales in India by the end of 2025. The company is also gearing up to launch its popular X3 model in the second quarter of this year, which will likely contribute to further growth in its sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, BMW is confident in surpassing its EV sales target due to the increased consumer interest in electric cars.
Tesla's plans to enter India have moved forward with the opening of a new showroom in Mumbai. Tesla has demonstrated its dedication to the Indian market by establishing a showroom in the prestigious Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). The showroom occupies 4,003 square feet as Tesla continues its second effort to enter the country despite regulatory hurdles in 2023.
Tesla continues its efforts to overcome India's extremely high import taxes, which reach above 100%. Tesla started recruiting employees in India for customer service and retail functions while pursuing further business expansion. Elon Musk, who founded Tesla, raised objections concerning India's import tariff framework when he endorsed equal treatment for international production companies.
According to Tesla's strategy in India, the showroom established its prestigious position next to Jio World Drive Mall to create a luxury brand approach. The company's expansion strategy includes opening another retail location in New Delhi, demonstrating its extended development plans for India.
Tesla's attempts to enter India represent favorable developments for the Indian electric vehicle market, although they have multiple barriers to success. The high import fees on electric vehicles currently hindering market entry in India are under active discussion between India and the United States for reduction. The Indian government is willing to negotiate EV tariffs, so gradual tariff reductions could eventually happen.
The launch of Tesla operations in India demonstrates the rising demand for the electric vehicle market within the country. The market will experience fast growth as BMW and Tesla expand into the sector, thus providing consumers with access to advanced vehicle options in the coming years.