Elon Musk's Tesla sets date for long-awaited arrival in Argentina

Tesla will make its long-awaited debut in Argentina on November 20, opening its first local showroom at the Unicenter shopping centre in Martínez, in the northern suburbs of Buenos Aires.

The US electric vehicle manufacturer confirmed the date in a promotional video shared online, featuring one of its cars travelling past several recognisable Argentine landmarks, including the National Congress building, the ‘Caminito’ district of La Boca and scenery in Patagonia. The advert ends with the message: “Hola Argentina.”

Elon Musk, Tesla's founder and chief executive, also celebrated the announcement, posting “Tesla Argentina!!” on his X account.

The arrival was confirmed by Cencosud, the Chilean retail group that owns Unicenter, which said Tesla's entry formed part of the shopping centre's expansion and redevelopment programme.

The launch will take place in two stages. Initially, Tesla will establish an exhibition space on the shopping centre's first floor, but displaying just two vehicles. A fully operational sales outlet and a test-drive facility are planned for 2027, with 10 cars available for customers to try in the shopping centre's H car park.

Tesla is expected to follow the direct-sales model it operates in the United States, opening its own outlets in shopping centres or on high streets, rather than relying on traditional independent dealerships.

The company has already established a legal presence in Argentina. Tesla Argentina SRL was incorporated in March 2026, with a remit covering vehicle imports, sales, maintenance and repairs, as well as energy-related services. 

Milei and Musk

Tesla's arrival comes against the backdrop of a close relationship between President Javier Milei and Musk, who have repeatedly expressed support for one another and share an enthusiasm for deregulation and free-market economics.

Milei visited Tesla's factory in Austin, Texas, in April 2024, where he met Musk for the first time in person. The two discussed investment opportunities, technological development and the removal of bureaucratic obstacles to business. Musk subsequently recommended that investors consider Argentina, writing on X: “I recommend investing in Argentina.”

The pair have met several times since, including in New York in September 2024 and Washington in February 2025, when Musk was serving in the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

The relationship has also been accompanied by growing official contact between Tesla and the Argentine government. On September 7, Milei received a delegation of company executives at Casa Rosada.

Beyond cars: Tesla and YPF

Tesla has also been exploring opportunities beyond vehicle sales. In June, YPF president and chief executive Horacio Marín announced the signing of a letter of intent with the US firm to examine potential cooperation in fast-charging infrastructure, energy storage and technological innovation.

The discussions include the possibility of installing charging points at YPF service stations, which could provide Tesla with access to an established nationwide network as Argentina develops its electric vehicle infrastructure.

Tesla's regional expansion has already taken it to Chile and Colombia, while it opened a sales outlet in Montevideo, Uruguay, earlier this year.

Which models will Tesla offer and how much will they cost?

The Model 3 and Model Y are expected to lead Tesla's initial offering in Argentina, although the company has yet to confirm the precise range or versions that will be available. The Cybertruck could also form part of its wider offering.

US prices provide an indication of the potential cost of the vehicles, although local prices have yet to be announced. Tesla’s Model 3 starts at US$36,990, while its famous Cybertruck is listed at between US$74,990 and US$99,990.

Tesla's arrival coincides with changes to Argentina's import rules designed to facilitate the entry of foreign vehicles. Under a trade agreement with the United States, Argentina will allow up to 10,000 vehicles imported from the country each year to enter without paying extra import tariffs.