[Raskolnikov.R]

Originally Posted by autohead

If this is how Tesla is treating its customers who have faced suspension failure even in advanced markets and failing to rectify a seemingly recurrent problem, just imagine how it's going to cope with our terrible road conditions.

I came to post this same piece of news, and I find you've beaten me to it. Thank you!

I strongly oppose any strong-arm tactics the US Trade Representative (USTR) employs in getting Tesla to walk in through the backdoor.

That shall be the death kneel for the fledgling EV industry. And we may never recover from that.

If Tesla wants to sell cars in India, they must manufacture them in India, as they already do in the US, China, Germany, and Mexico. Of course, importing cars from any of these countries means tariffs.

And tariffs are there for a reason. Ask the ex-president of the US, Donald Trump – to protect the local industry.

America wants to protect its own auto industry and demands that European and Asian manufacturers manufacture the EVs they sell domestically on its soil. Why should India, a country with less than a third of its market size, open ours?

We should ensure we never do the Harleys for Mangoes deal again. It didn’t help India, and it didn’t help the US in any meaningful way. Mexico sells more mangoes in the US than India.

And lest we forget, the Nordic countries offer stiff opposition to Tesla in its vehement disregard for their enshrined collective bargaining system.

My words may sound like fearmongering. However, after a lifetime of studying trade pacts, I can say that most countries almost never gain any real benefits in a trade agreement with a larger market. It’s the quintessential gambling secret – the house never loses.

Case in point: while American (and European) politicians are busy blaming China for running significant trade deficits, they never speak of the fact that the country they vilify also turns out to be the one that generates the maximum profits. The profits are repatriated to tax havens and brought back into the country through share buybacks, helping only the shareholders and no other stakeholders.

My writing isn’t vitriol on any one manufacturer. I’m only seeking a level playing field for everyone.

As for me, I’d gladly buy a BYD or a NIO, just as well as a Tesla, if it satisfies my requirements.

[newenergy]

Couldn't agree more. But I think BYD (with MEIL) should have been allowed to invest. Their battery technology is far ahead and India currently lacks core EV technology, especially battery and BMS. We need as much experience in Battery manufacturing and R&D as we can to advance in the EV field.

[Raskolnikov.R]

Originally Posted by newenergy

Couldn't agree more. But I think BYD (with MEIL) should have been allowed to invest. Their battery technology is far ahead and India currently lacks core EV technology, especially battery and BMS. We need as much experience in Battery manufacturing and R&D as we can to advance in the EV field.

Dear NewEnergy,

India, and the rest of the world, are outpaced in the battery technology development. The credit must be given to the Chinese for taking the criticism they faced during the Beijing Olympics, and turnaround their auto industry on its head.

It would be better to have better economic relations with China, and thereby, reduce the incentive for them to create problems for India on the western front.

This may be an unpopular opinion.

I'd rather bring in the best technology in the market, and at the most effective cost, than pursue luxury EV makers to sell their cars in India. In this, we both share the same opinion.

We need more of BYD Seagull and the MG4/5, and the likes. Yes, Tesla will find a market in India. However, it should not come at the expense of the Tata and Mahindra, who have worked for their place under the sun.

[newenergy]

Originally Posted by Raskolnikov.R

Dear NewEnergy,

I'd rather bring in the best technology in the market, and at the most effective cost, than pursue luxury EV makers to sell their cars in India. In this, we both share the same opinion.

We need more of BYD Seagull and the MG4/5, and the likes. Yes, Tesla will find a market in India. However, it should not come at the expense of the Tata and Mahindra, who have worked for their place under the sun.

Exactly my thoughts. We can not always rely on the US for technology and right now China even with sanctions is doing everything it can to be on par with the US and their hard work is commendable. Just see what they did with the space station single-handedly.

India must find a way diplomatically to have a good relationship with China by having dialogs rather than rejecting outright everything. I do want India to also have equal standing in the future on the technology front.

[Raskolnikov.R]

Originally Posted by newenergy

Just see what they did with the space station single-handedly.

The original spacestation specialists are the Soviets. The early crew for the ISS was trained on the MIR before it was spun into oblivion. Even the US sent their astronauts to be trained by the Russians, if memory serves me right. They may have not gone on to the space station, but there was close collaboration with the Russians.

I believe Tesla is playing for time. They may bring their $24,000 car to India in some future day. But, it won't help India.

Tesla need not even build their cars in India. Procure from India. With the exception of the battery-cells, which are manufactured by one of their close partners (LG/Panasonic/CATL,) they can source their suspension, brakes, and electrical harnesses from India.

And remember, their Gigafactories, even if they're to be setup in India, won't provide much jobs, given that it is highly robotized.

What benefit does India stand to gain by allowing Tesla by bending the existing law?

Taxes?

I doubt. Much of the EVs will anyway be given tax sops, so the revenue to the government is limited. The income tax revenue they promise will be miniscule.

In my humble opinion, I'd definitely want Tesla to sell in India by following the local rules.

India should not bend its rules to satisfy an American corporation, as we have done time and again.

[newenergy]

Originally Posted by Raskolnikov.R

In my humble opinion, I'd definitely want Tesla to sell in India by following the local rules.

India should not bend its rules to satisfy an American corporation, as we have done time and again.

Exactly and rules/taxes should be common for all manufacturers despite of the company's origin.

What I do not understand by any logic is that one company which is BYD was ready to invest and manufacture, was denied but on the other hand Tesla who doesn't commit to manufacturing but wants to sell gets more attention from Indian officials.

What the EV segment in India needs right now is competition and local manufacturing. This needs to happen very soon else we will be left behind.

[sgiitk]

Life will not be easy. Tesla like their own service network, their plug in connectors are different. So they need a service network and charging points. They are up against Tata who have the service network and the charging points. I wish all the best to Tesla but it will not be easy.

Are they using AC motors which were pioneered by Nicola Tesla. Edison was dead against AC power which Tesla pioneered.

[autohead]

Being a nationalist wont help us as long as local (for that matter even foreign players) manufacturers take us for granted.

Tata & Mahindra's are older than KIA, Hyundai or Tesla and many more automobile companies worldwide. Can you imagine Tata (Harrier & Safari) without inputs & platforms from JLR. Even then all their product's are full of niggles, plastics are horrible, service centers pathetic.

Companies mentioned above which started later have grown technologically and are developing and selling leading edge products in Developed markets, except in India, as they have learnt to lower their benchmarks thanks to Indian manufacturers who have shown that even products with low quality sell when there is limited competition.

Look at Mahindra its a shame that in spite of owning a Formula E team, Developing a product like Battista and buying out India's first and pioneering EV company (and successfully killing it later), has dished out something retrograde like XUV400, i really pity those initial set of buyers who just believed the company because of the hype created by XUV700 & Scorpio, BTW which are also not perfect on most aspects and had come with initial set of niggles and defects.

None of the TATA EV's (incl. their ICE vehicles) are without niggles/defects and TATA EV Charging stations are utterly unreliable.

Indian customers literally are buying and running test mules since ages just in the name of Patriotism and their liking for Mr.Tata & Mr.Mahindra

I don't feel proud about it and i never in my life imagined that i would buy a Chinese vehicle, but i ended up with a few of them and i have to admit that i am actually enjoying the experience, we have a BYD Atto 3, 2 MG Comet's & MG Hector all bought within a span of 9 months, we also have a couple of Tatas too. Just to give an insight, the base model of MG Comet has better plastics than above Rs.20 lacs TATA or Mahindra Vehicles and so far service experience also has been satisfactory even comparatively.

It literally beats me why one of the oldest manufacturers in world are still not a match for later date entrants, maybe years of protectionism is to be blamed. Competition creates healthy markets Government should play its cards well without being too protective so that consumer benefits the most along with the economy.

And its time Indians companies too reward their customers for being Patriotic

[newenergy]

@autohead You really summarised all my gripes. My only fear is we will be left behind in the name of patriotism and will be among the last ones still using ICEs. We need rapid advancements but I guess for that a politician should possess engineering mindset which we lack atm. Only thing we could do right now is hope for the best.

BTW congratulations on Atto 3. It is an amazing car.

[newenergy]

Looks like there is again some speculation about the Tesla plant in Gujarat. Once again we will know for sure in a month.

Source: https://auto.hindustantimes.com/auto...751406112.html

[volkman10]

Originally Posted by newenergy

Looks like there is again some speculation about the Tesla plant in Gujarat. Once again we will know for sure in a month.

Source: https://auto.hindustantimes.com/auto...751406112.html

No news on Tesla's India plans as the event is over (above link).

Even so after the so-called Govt. Officials bragging on Tesla's plans the company remains elusive.

Link:

Link1

[shankar.balan]

On a work-visit to UAE last week, I used 4-5 Uber Green Rides, by choice, on different occasions. The cars I got were all Teslas.

1. Model X - once
2. Model Y - twice
3. Model 3 - twice

It has been a while since I sat in a Tesla.

I like everything about Tesla vehicles except for;

1. The Giant Super-Sized iPad and Touch screen. (The novelty of this has completely worn off for me.)
2. The fact that in the back seats there is not even an option for a grab handle. (I like a grab handle to hold at times, when the car is going relatively faster than normal traffic-creep-commute-speeds, especially around those sweeping curves.)

[volkman10]

Tesla is willing to invest up to USD 2 billion if the Indian government offers reduced import duty of 15% on imported electric cars exceeding INR 30 lakh (about USD 36,000) in the first two years of operation.

India imposes 100% import duty on cars with cost, insurance and freight value of more than USD 40,000 (about INR 33 lakh), and 60% for those below that threshold.


Link:

[DicKy]

Originally Posted by volkman10

India imposes 100% import duty on cars with cost, insurance and freight value of more than USD 40,000 (about INR 33 lakh), and 60% for those below that threshold.

Terribly offtopic.

Haven't looked it up for a while. So cars that have value less than USD 40,000 can be imported now?
Thought the old rule of cars below USD 40,000 and below 3500cc can't be imported ever is still in force. Or is it only for private imports?

[hungrygamer]

Tesla in Namma Bengaluru. Was driving around - actually coming from Hyundai showrooms after checking out verna sx,anyways different topic. Parked just after kr puram railway station, a maroon Tesla . With the owners permission - took a snap,Dubai car. I am wondering how is the owner charging, oh and it was a LHD