Tesla Plans Assembly Plant in Satara, Maharashtra

Tesla, the global electric vehicle (EV) giant led by Elon Musk, is reportedly planning to establish an assembly plant in Maharashtra’s Satara.

According to a Business Standard report, the company aims to set up a completely knocked down (CKD) unit plant, which would assemble vehicles from components shipped from various locations. 

This follows Tesla’s recent opening of a new office in Phoenix Market City, Kurla, near Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). Earlier this year, the company also secured space for its first showroom in India in BKC.

Additionally, Tesla is actively recruiting for over 30 positions across various functions in India, signalling its commitment to a robust market presence.

Competitive Landscape and Regional Interest

There’s intense competition among Indian states to attract Tesla’s investment. Maharashtra previously offered land in Chakan and Chikalthana near Pune, while Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh also vied for the EV maker’s attention. 

Satara, home to auto-component manufacturer Cooper Corporations, offers a strategic location for Tesla’s operations. The company has not yet disclosed the size of the land it plans to acquire for the plant.

Broader Implications

This development aligns with India’s push to bolster its EV ecosystem. The government has introduced policies to reduce import duties on premium EVs, encouraging local manufacturing. 

Tesla’s Satara plant could enhance India’s role in the global EV supply chain, complementing recent deals with Indian semiconductor firms like Tata Electronics.

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