A camouflaged 2026 Tesla Mannequin Y Juniper has been ceaselessly noticed in India over the previous week, coinciding with a gathering between Elon Musk and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the USA.
The brand new Mannequin Y, closely disguised, was seen cruising via prosperous neighborhoods in Mumbai and alongside close by highways. Observations recommend Tesla has despatched just one check unit to India, as all sightings characteristic the identical producer license plate, "KA03TC016/5," which seems to be a crimson producer plate utilized in India.
Tesla fans in India captured images and brief movies of the Mannequin Y throughout its street exams.
Why the Camouflage?
In a single occasion, the brand new Mannequin Y was seen alongside an older, non-camouflaged model. This raises the query: why is Tesla choosing camouflage in India, particularly when there are quite a few photos and movies circulating on-line?
As somebody educated about Indian demographics and tradition, I perceive the technique behind this. Whereas the auto fanatic group in India is conversant in Tesla’s electrical automobiles, most people remains to be getting acquainted with the model. Tesla positions itself on the premium and luxurious facet of the market in India; thus, widespread consciousness is but to develop.
The camouflage provides a component of intrigue and will drive curiosity among the many public, main them to analysis the car on-line. Tesla strategically despatched the check unit to Mumbai, which homes India’s elite and upper-middle-class segments—precisely the market Tesla goals to focus on.
Elon Musk and PM Modi’s Assembly
On April 18, 2025, Elon Musk met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington. Following their discussions, each Musk and Modi shared their ideas on social media. Musk expressed pleasure about India’s future and famous Modi’s robust curiosity in encouraging important investments from Tesla within the nation.
"We’re simply attempting to determine the best timing," Musk stated relating to the delay in Tesla’s launch in India, and he expressed hope to go to the nation in 2026.
Tesla’s incorporation in India in 2021 stirred appreciable hypothesis; nonetheless, the preliminary launch has confronted delays regardless of conferences with Indian authorities officers.
Notice: This text was beforehand printed on Tesla Oracle. Creator: Iqtidar Ali.