Tesla in India / What will happen to BMW when Tesla comes to India? The company made a big announcement

Tesla in India: While some automakers are cautious about the possible entry of US giant Tesla in India's electric vehicle (EV) market, BMW Group India has a different thinking. The company's Managing Director and CEO Vikram Pawah believes that Tesla's arrival will not only increase competition but will also prove to be helpful in the development of the entire EV segment.

Possibility of cooperation, not competition with Tesla

Talking to PTI in an interview, Pawah clarified that BMW is not worried about Tesla's entry. He said, "I think when there is more competition, the market grows faster." Pawah also added that BMW and Tesla are present together in many markets around the world and BMW is constantly moving forward strongly.

BMW's performance in the EV segment

BMW Group India has recorded sales of 646 electric units in the first quarter of 2025 itself. In the year 2024, the company sold a total of 1,249 EV cars (including both BMW and MINI brands). Pawah said the company aims to achieve at least 15 percent of its total sales from electric vehicles in 2025 — and this figure could go up to 20 percent.

Strong at the global level too

BMW's global performance has also been quite impressive. In the year 2024, the company sold a total of 4,26,594 full-electric vehicles, which is 13.5 percent more than last year. The BMW brand sold 3,68,523 units (11.6% increase) and the MINI brand sold 56,181 units (24.3% increase). This makes it clear that BMW's move towards electric mobility is proving to be accurate.

Tesla's preparations in the Indian market

On the other hand, Tesla has taken steps towards starting operations in India. The company has started hiring for positions such as Business Operation Analyst and Customer Assistant Expert in February 2025, indicating that its entry into the Indian market is not far away.

Future direction

Pawah says there is a huge potential for electric vehicles in India, and BMW is all set to capitalise on this opportunity. He said that the share of EVs in the company's total sales has reached 17 per cent in the first quarter of 2025. Overall, BMW Group India is not looking at the entry of companies like Tesla as a threat, but as a driving force that can take the entire sector to new heights.