iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
After Elon Musk confirmed Tesla’s arrival in India, Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa declared in February that the US-based electric vehicle will set up its production unit in the state.
With its office already registered in Bengaluru, the electric-car company has now started scouting people and has ramped up its hiring process for top positions.
“Tesla India is moving full speed ahead with building a local team. We are excited to see the progress. Hoping to see you (Musk) in India when @Tesla delivers the first cars,” Tesla Club India said in a tweet on Wednesday.
It has now pulled in Chithra Thomas as the Country HR Leader, who had earlier worked at Walmart and Reliance Retail.
Along with her the company has also onboarded an IIM Bangalore alumnus Manuj Khurana as Policy and Business Development head; Nishant as Charging Manager who will head the supercharging, destination charging and home charging business.
Nishant had earlier worked as the head of Charging Infrastructure and Energy Storage at homegrown electric vehicle company Ather Energy.
On January 12, Yediyurappa had tweeted from his official handle that Tesla would start its operations in India with an R&D unit in Bengaluru.
Breaking his silence after the news broke that Tesla has finally entered India by registering it as a company in Bengaluru, Musk said on January 13 that he is on the way to fulfill his promise to let electric cars run on the roads of India.
Last week, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that he has invited Tesla to start manufacturing EVs in India.
During his address at The Raisina Dialogue 2021, he said that it is a golden opportunity for the company to start manufacturing in India.
“I had a video conference with Tesla management. I suggested them that it is a golden opportunity for them to start manufacturing here in India,” he said.
Gadkari also said that he has assured the company that the government will help them set up industrial clusters in the country.
Exuding confidence on Indian EV makers, he said that “Indian products are also improving and within two years, we will get e-vehicles of Tesla standard in the Indian market.”
“So, in the interest of Tesla, I suggested that you start manufacturing in India as early as possible it will be beneficial for you,” the minister added.
