Tesla’s India Entry Viewed as Market Booster by Confident BMW
BMW Group India welcomes Tesla’s anticipated entry into the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market, with CEO Vikram Pawah telling that increased competition will drive segment growth. Having sold 1,249 EVs in India last year across its BMW and MINI brands, the company has already moved 646 units in Q1 2025, aligning with its goal of EVs making up 15% of total sales this year. Pawah emphasized that BMW thrives alongside competitors globally, citing a 13.5% rise in worldwide BEV sales in 2024, totaling 426,594 units.
Tesla’s preparations for India are underway, with recent job postings for roles like business operations analyst signaling its intent. Meanwhile, BMW Group India reports EVs currently comprise 17% of its sales, bolstered by a 7% increase in overall car sales (3,914 units) in January-March 2025. Pawah noted the company is on track to exceed its 15% EV sales target, though the upcoming X3 launch may boost ICE vehicle sales, keeping the forecast steady.
Far from rattled, BMW sees Tesla’s arrival as a chance to expand the market. “In all the markets in the world, we coexist,” Pawah said, pointing to BMW’s 2024 global EV growth 368,523 units for BMW (up 11.6%) and 56,181 for MINI (up 24.3%) as proof of its resilience.
