Tesla hiring servicing staff in Singapore, where CEO Elon Musk once said was 'unsupportive' of electric vehicles

Unlike traditional automakers, Tesla prefers to sell its cars directly through its own showrooms. PHOTO: AFP

SINGAPORE (REUTERS) - Tesla Inc has advertised for servicing staff in Singapore, a country previously criticised by its chief executive Elon Musk as unsupportive of electric vehicles.

The firm's listings for five jobs in Singapore on networking website LinkedIn are mainly in servicing and repair, such as a service technician and parts adviser.

It was not clear where in Singapore the new hires would be based, or whether the United States automaker currently has any employees in the country.

Tesla did not respond to a request for comment on its Singapore plans.

Singapore is one of the world's most expensive places to buy a car and has few electric vehicles. It aims to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040, and make a bigger bet on electrification to cut greenhouse gases and slow climate change.

Two years ago, Mr Musk responded to a Tesla admirer in Singapore, who had asked the CEO to make the automaker's vehicles available in the city-state. "We tried, but Singapore govt is not supportive of electric vehicles," Mr Musk tweeted.

Unlike traditional automakers, Tesla prefers to sell its cars directly through its own showrooms.

Local dealership Hong Seh Motors said on its website that it is Singapore's only retailer of Tesla cars. It did not respond to an e-mailed request for comment.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.