Tesla seeks a comeback in China with refreshed Model 3 and Model Y
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A six-seat Model Y and an upgraded edition of the Model 3 that has an 800km driving range were likely to strengthen the US carmaker's mainland deliveries in the coming months, but it might not be sufficient to regain its dominance in the country's premium electric vehicle (EV) segment, according to dealers and analysts.
Tesla was expected to begin delivering the refreshed Model 3 and Model Y to mainland customers as early as September.
'Tesla has learned a lesson from its Chinese rivals – luring consumers with updated editions,' said Tian Maowei, a sales manager at Yiyou Auto Service in Shanghai. 'It pins hope on the new tactic to adapt to the changing consumer trends in the market.'
According to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), Tesla's share of the mainland EV market fell to 3.8 per cent in June from 6.9 per cent a year earlier. The company's EV sales accounted for 16 per cent of the national total in 2020, when its Shanghai Gigafactory opened.
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The Shanghai factory, Tesla's largest production hub worldwide, builds only fully electric Model 3 and Model Y sport-utility vehicles.
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