Tesla gets RTO nod to sell EVs in India

Mumbai, Jul 11 (PTI) Days ahead of its debut in the country, EV giant Tesla on Friday received a go-ahead from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) here to display vehicles, allow test drives and sell its cars.
The Andheri RTO formally issued a 'trade certificate' to the global EV giant, officials said.
Ending months of speculation over its entry into the Indian market, Tesla is set to inaugurate its showroom in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex business district on July 15.
A senior RTO official told PTI that they issued trade certificate to Tesla India Motors and Energy Private Limited, an Indian arm of the Elon Musk-headed firm, as per the procedure prescribed by the Motor Vehicles Act.
Before issuing the certificate, Motor Vehicle Inspectors inspected the showroom, parking and godown facilities mentioned in the company's application.
Another official from Andheri RTO said the application for dealership registration was received earlier this week.
The trade certificate is issued under section 35 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules and it authorises unregistered vehicles to be legally operated on public roads under specific conditions. The certificate is valid for five years, and also allows car display and exhibition, delivery runs and workshop usage.
Vivek Bhimanwar, transport commissioner of Maharashtra, told PTI that the company had applied for the trade certificate at Andheri RTO.
Trade certificates are mandatory under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules for vehicle dealers or manufacturers who wish to move unregistered vehicles for trials or promotional activities.
"This is a procedural requirement for all auto dealerships. With the trade certificate in place, Tesla can now bring in demo vehicles, conduct road tests and begin the registration process for sales in India," a retired RTO official said.
According to reports, Tesla is set to sell the popular 'Model Y' in the country.
As per the copy of Telsa India's application for dealership registration, its showroom will be on the ground floor of Maker Maxity commercial complex next to a mall at North Avenue in Bandra Kurla Complex, the biggest business district of the financial capital of the country.

The workshop or service centre and warehouse will be located at Lodha Logistic Park, Kujupada in Sakinaka area, around 6 km from the showroom and in close proximity of the international airport.