TESLA LOBBIES INDIA FOR SHARPLY LOWER IMPORT TAXES ON ELECTRIC VEHICLES

NEW DELHI, Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) has written to Indian ministries seeking a big reduction in import duties on electric vehicles (EVs), a move it says will boost demand and generate revenue for the government, two sources with knowledge of the matter said. Its pitch, however, is likely to face resistance from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration which has championed high import taxes for many industries in a bid to boost local manufacturing. Other luxury automakers in India have also lobbied the government in the past to lower taxes on imported cars but have had little success due to opposition from rivals with domestic operations.