Gujarat minister Rushikesh Patel said on Thursday that his administration is “very hopeful” that Elon Musk’s Tesla would select the state to build a facility, and that informed conversation with the company is continuing.
Patel was replying to questions prompted by news reports that the US-based electric car manufacturer was looking to establish a production factory in Gujarat.
“The state government is very hopeful of Tesla coming to Gujarat. Even Elon Musk is looking at Gujarat as his first choice. Gujarat is in his mind ever since he began a survey in India to find a suitable location to set up the plant,” said Patel, who is health minister and spokesperson of the state government.
Perhaps very soon, Tesla’s entry will be the subject of an official announcement. Hopefully, Tesla visits Gujarat. As we did with Tata, Ford, and Suzuki in the past, we will undoubtedly welcome it and offer all required support,” Patel said to reporters in Gandhinagar.
Patel said communication (with Tesla) was on and this may be the reason such news (of firm planning factory in the state) was published.
Notably, in June in New York, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was met by Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla Inc., the largest electric car manufacturer in the world. Following their encounter, Musk announced his intention to travel to India in 2024.
S J Haider, Gujarat’s Additional Chief Secretary for the Department of Industries and Mines, stated in September that the Center is in contact with Tesla to explore establishing a manufacturing site in India.
He had previously stated that Gujarat will get in touch with the business when it’s suitable to guarantee the state plays a big part in the strategies for the future.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had recently said Tesla is looking to source components worth around USD 1.9 billion from India this year against USD 1 billion last year.
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