In a decisive move to reinvigorate its India ambitions, Tesla has appointed Sharad Agarwal former head of Lamborghini India as its new country head. This marks a strategic shift from remotely managed operations to a leadership presence on the ground.
Luxury-Focused Strategy Over Mass Market
Agarwal’s appointment signals Tesla’s renewed focus on premium buyers rather than immediate mass-market penetration. With a decade long experience shaping Lamborghini’s dominance in India’s super luxury segment, Agarwal is expected to convert elite curiosity into meaningful sales while navigating high import tariffs and slow EV adoption.
Tesla’s Challenges in India
Since launching sales in mid July, Tesla has received just over 800 orders a modest figure in a nation of over 1.4 billion people. High import duties have kept the Model Y priced above ₹60 lakh, far beyond the ₹22 lakh sweet spot where most EV purchases occur. With EVs accounting for just 5% of India’s total vehicle sales, Tesla faces an uphill climb.
Ground Presence and Local Strategy
Previously, Tesla’s India operations were remotely managed from China and Southeast Asia. Agarwal’s arrival brings localized decision making for the first time since former India head Prashanth Menon resigned in May. Isabel Fan, Tesla’s Southeast Asia director, had overseen the launch of Tesla’s first two showrooms in Mumbai and Delhi earlier this year.
What Lies Ahead
With plans to boost brand awareness through pop-up displays in major malls and refine its India strategy, Tesla is betting on Agarwal’s proven track record of scaling luxury brands beyond metros into emerging markets.
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