Mumbai, 15 July

Tesla made its India debut with its first store in Mumbai. As per industry experts, the Austin-headquartered company has already shipped in first set of cars, apparently Model Y rear-wheel drive SUVs, from its China plant. The prices start at Rs 59.9 lakh.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hopes Tesla establishes its research and development and manufacturing facilities in India, and invited the global EV major to consider the state as a partner in its journey. He was speaking at the inauguration of the company's first Experience Centre in India, located at the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai.

"We wish to see research and development and manufacturing being done in India. I am sure Tesla will think about it at an appropriate stage," Fadnavis said.

"Consider Maharashtra as a partner in your journey," he added.

The CM called Tesla's decision to open its first centre in Mumbai a statement of confidence in the city and state.

"The inauguration of the Tesla Experience Centre is a statement that Tesla has arrived in the right city and in the right state - that is Mumbai and Maharashtra," he said.

He said Mumbai is not just as the financial, commercial and entertainment capital of India, but also an entrepreneurial hub.

Last month, Elon Musk's Tesla India took on lease 24,565 square feet warehousing space in Lodha Logistics Park in Mumbai for a period of five years.

In June, Union Heavy Industries Minister HD Kumaraswamy said the electric carmaker is not interested in manufacturing cars in India but keen on establishing showrooms in the country.

Tesla boss Musk and US President Donald Trump have been at odds after the former quit the administration.