Advertisement
Tesla
BusinessCompanies

Tesla’s made-in-China Model Y launch imminent after resounding success of Model 3 among mainland buyers

  • Launch of Tesla’s upcoming Model Y crossover utility vehicle likely to build pressure on Chinese rivals after Shanghai-made Model 3 is a hit with drivers
  • Tesla’s Model Y could be launched in the first quarter of next year as plans are going as per schedule

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
0
Tesla started accepting pre-orders of the Chinese-made Model Y in June. Photo: Bloomberg
Daniel Ren
Tesla has started making Model Y test vehicles at its Gigafactory 3 in Shanghai, ratcheting up pressure on its Chinese rivals which have been eclipsed by the US carmaker in their home market.

The crossover utility vehicle (CUV), the second model to be built at the US$2 billion factory in Lingang, Shanghai, is expected to be delivered to mainland customers early next year. But industry analysts said the first batch of locally built Model Y cars could start rolling off the production line ahead of schedule amid Chinese buyers’ mounting interest in Tesla cars.

Photos of a Model Y test car, being transported on a low loader on a highway in Yancheng, Jiangsu province, were widely shared on Chinese social media last week.

Two industry officials with knowledge of Tesla’s China operations confirmed that the test vehicle was made in Gigafactory 3, Tesla’s first plant outside the US and that its plans were going as per schedule.

01:20

Tesla starts delivery of made-in-China cars

Tesla starts delivery of made-in-China cars

Tesla could not be reached for comment on Monday.

A sales manager at a Tesla showroom in Shanghai said mainland consumers were already showing keen interest in the Chinese version of the Model Y, which is yet to be unveiled.

Advertisement