Israel's Ministry of Transportation has now officially announced that Tesla received a car import license, making the company the first car manufacturer allowed to directly import its own vehicles into the country. The license allows Tesla to import its cars to Israel in any volume.

On January 6, Israel's Ministry of Transport officially announced that Tesla had received a license to import cars, Globes reported. After the company's vehicles were tested for compliance, Tesla received a direct importer license to import its vehicles. The license also allows the company to create its own service centers with equipment and devices, and also allows training mechanics for car maintenance. Obtaining such a license by a foreign automaker is a first time in Israel.

"This is part of the comprehensive reform that the Ministry of Transport is promoting in the vehicle sector in order to expand the importation of vehicles to Israel and increase competition in the field," said Minister of Transport Miri Regev. As part of this reform, the Ministry of Transport is seeking to expand the supply of cars in Israel, and increase competition in the automotive market.

The Department of Transportation announced that Tesla has received import authorization for three of its models: Tesla Model 3, Model S, and Model X. Model Y will arrive in the country for testing later in 2021, and will only be available for sale after it passes the test for compliance.

Ministry of Transport Motor Vehicles Division head Avner Flor was in constant communication with Tesla representatives in order to learn about the unique technological capabilities of cars and, in particular, about Autopilot. "The entry of Tesla into the Israeli market represents an additional step in efforts that the Ministry of Transport is leading for the entry of autonomous cars into Israel," he said.

Tesla is currently building a Supercharger network in Israel to provide its customers with a high level of service. The company is said to be in talks with Afcon, controlled by the Shlomo Group, and EV-Edge, controlled by the Union group, to establish its network of fast-charging stations. These companies will build the infrastructure and get administrative permits for the Superchargers, but they will be owned by Tesla, who will manage them remotely.

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