Tesla Loses Indian Fans Despite Musk’s Promises
▼ Summary
– Tesla opened its first showroom in India, but early backers like Vishal Gondal expressed disappointment due to poor communication and refund delays.
– Many early Tesla supporters in India, who pre-booked Model 3s in 2016, are now hesitant to buy due to frustration over the company’s handling of reservations and lack of preferential treatment.
– Concerns remain about Tesla’s after-sales service and Supercharger network in India, with no clear plans announced for infrastructure or support.
– Elon Musk’s political controversies and polarizing public image have alienated some Indian customers, diminishing Tesla’s appeal as a brand.
– Tesla’s Model Y launch in India faces challenges due to high import costs, limited market share in the premium segment, and strong local competition from brands like Tata Motors.
Tesla’s long-awaited India debut leaves early supporters disappointed as enthusiasm fades
When Tesla finally opened its first Indian showroom in Mumbai this week, Vishal Gondal, a tech entrepreneur who reserved a Model 3 back in 2016, arrived as one of the first visitors. But instead of excitement, he walked away feeling underwhelmed. After nearly a decade of waiting, Gondal, like many early Tesla enthusiasts in India, has decided against buying the car.
The frustration runs deep among those who placed their trust, and money, in Tesla years ago. Gondal, CEO of fitness-tech startup GOQii, recalls struggling to reclaim his $1,000 reservation deposit in 2023. “Getting the refund was a hassle,” he said. “Had we invested that money in Tesla stock instead, we’d have made a profit.” His sentiment is shared by others who pre-booked vehicles when Elon Musk first promised an India launch.
Varun Krishnan, who runs tech blog FoneArena, points out the irony. “Starlink got regulatory approval faster than Tesla managed to enter the market,” he noted. Many early backers expected at least an invitation to the showroom opening or some acknowledgment of their loyalty. Instead, they were left in the dark.
The launch itself failed to generate the buzz Tesla might have hoped for. Gondal compared it unfavorably to Apple’s grand store opening in the same Mumbai mall. “The difference in energy was night and day,” he said. Some, like Amit Bhavani of Phoneradar, went as far as publicly criticizing Tesla in YouTube videos after struggling to secure refunds. “What started as admiration turned into frustration,” Bhavani admitted.
Even those who eventually got their money back aren’t rushing to buy a Tesla now. Kawaljit Singh Bedi, co-founder of Frammer AI, joked, “After waiting nine years, what’s another six months?” The delay has given competitors time to establish themselves in India’s growing EV market. Tata Motors dominates, while Chinese automaker MG Motor is gaining traction through a joint venture with JSW Group.
Tesla’s pricing strategy raises eyebrows. The Model Y starts at ₹59,89,000 ($68,000), significantly higher than its U.S. price due to import duties. In India’s premium car segment, which makes up just 1% of total sales, Tesla faces stiff competition from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo. Analysts doubt its current pricing will disrupt the market.
Musk’s shifting public image hasn’t helped. Once seen as a visionary, his recent political stances and controversies have alienated some Indian supporters. “The way I view Elon has changed,” Krishnan said. Kunal Khattar, an EV investor, added that Tesla has lost some of its appeal as Musk’s focus drifted from sustainability to political battles.
Infrastructure concerns linger. Tesla plans to install eight Supercharger stations in Delhi and Mumbai, but details on after-sales service remain unclear. “Without a reliable charging network, why rush to buy?” Bedi questioned.
While Tesla’s arrival may boost overall EV awareness, early backers like Gondal and Paytm’s Vijay Shekhar Sharma are looking elsewhere. “There are better options now,” Sharma said. For a company that once inspired fierce loyalty, Tesla’s India debut feels like a missed opportunity, one that left its earliest supporters feeling forgotten.
(Source: TechCrunch)