Days after Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa issued a statement confirming that Tesla will indeed set up a manufacturing plant in Karnataka, there is still confusion over California-based Tesla and its founder, Elon Musk’s plans.
Ever since Tesla registered a subsidiary in Bengaluru earlier in January, speculation has been rife over the plans of the iconic electric vehicle maker to enter the Indian automobile sector. The company has remained silent about its plans.
The intent of the statement by the CM, was to show global investor interest in India, the people aware of the matter said.
“Our officials are in constant touch with Tesla and there is still no agreement on their plans even though we have offered all available options and assistance,” Jagadish Shettar, Karnataka’s minister for large and medium industries told Hindustan times.
Tesla did not respond to an email seeking comment.
The state industries department is engaging with the company that is reported to be in talks with at least three other states in the country.
Musk, founder and chief executive officer of the Cupertino-based Tesla, said on Twitter last year that the company plans to enter India “for sure” in 2021. Tesla India has named Vaibhav Taneja, Venkatrangam Sreeram and David Jon Feinstein as the three directors of its Indian subsidiary. Taneja is Tesla’s chief accounting officer; Feinstein is global senior director of trade market access at the company; and Sreeram is an entrepreneur and former Tesla employee who was part of the company’s launch team in China.
Source: hindustantimes.com
