8MAY, 2025TESLA REFUNDS EARLY BOOKINGS IN INDIA, HINTING AT BIG PLANS AHEADDIXON EXPANDS INTO COMPONENT MANUFACTURING AS TATA PLANS RS 2,000 CR PUSHTesla is making waves in India by refunding early reservation fees for its Model 3, a sign that the electric car giant is finally getting ready to roll into the country. This move has sparked excitement among fans, suggesting Tesla is gearing up to launch in one of the world's biggest auto markets.For years, Tesla's arrival in India has been on hold, mostly because of steep import taxes. CEO Elon Musk has often pointed to these tariffs as a major roadblock. But things seem to be changing. Tesla is refunding bookings for the older Model 3, which is no longer in production, likely preparing to bring newer models like the Model 3 and Model Y to India. The company has already certified these models for the Indian market and secured showroom spaces in New Delhi and Mumbai, including a sleek 4,000 sq ft spot in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex.India's government has sweetened the deal with new policies, like lowering import taxes for companies that invest at least 500 million USD to build locally. Tesla is jumping on this opportunity, hiring staff and scouting locations for a potential factory. This comes after talks between Musk and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which have sped up Tesla's plans to not only sell cars but also manufacture them in India.Still, Tesla won't have an easy ride. It's up against strong local brands like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, plus newcomers like Vietnam's VinFast, which is opening a plant in India soon. Even so, with the EV market in India growing fast, Tesla's entry could shake things up, especially if trade talks lead to lower tariffs.As Tesla gets ready to open showrooms and ship cars to Indian ports, these refunds mark a fresh start for customers who've been waiting. With Musk's big vision and India's push for electric vehicles, Tesla's launch could be a game-changer. India's electronics production industry is entering a significant new stage. Dixon Technologies has announced its entry into the manufacturing of electronic components, marking a significant milestone for both the company and the wider "Make in India" movement. Initially, Dixon will manufacture components for captive requirements and later expand to global markets."We have already rolled out a project for display modules. We are evaluating various other component categories like camera modules, mechanical enclosures and also lithium-ion batteries. So we are seriously evaluating and we will be deeply participating in ECMS," said Dixon CEO Atul Lal.In parallel, Tata Electronics is reportedly planning a 2,000 crore investment under the government's 23,000 crore electronics components manufacturing scheme (ECMS). While Tata Electronics declined to comment, the move signals strong momentum for electronics manufacturing services (EMS) in India.The government's ECMS initiative, with an outlay of 22,919 crore, is expected to create 91,600 direct jobs and attract 59,350 crore investment. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that only companies with a design house and Six Sigma quality standards would qualify for incentives."We are going to be internally discussing this," Lal added, supporting the government's focus on quality.ELCINA President Atul Lal, IESA President Ashok Chandak, and ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo are the industry leaders who supported the initiative, claiming it will improve value addition and ensure long-term sustainability for India's rapidly expanding electronics sector. TOP STORIES8MAY, 2025
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