It's been a little over a week since Tesla lifted the veil on the facelifted Model Y and a higher price. But that hasn't stopped buyers.
According to Chinese media, Tesla has sold 73,000 copies of the facelifted Model Y in China alone.
However, sales, which are actually pre-orders, fluctuate a lot. Other media outlets believe that Tesla has 'only' pushed 60,000 new cars into the order books.
Regardless, these are significant numbers just days after the facelifted model was launched. Whether it is also a success for Tesla depends on production costs. However, the car brand is sticking to building the Model Y at its factory in Shanghai.
The cars for European customers have already started rolling off the assembly line. However, this is happening at the factory on the outskirts of Berlin. Here, last week, they were subjected to 'bullying' from several groups of activists. Read more about it here .
According to reports from Chinese media, the car was developed by a local engineering team, underscoring Tesla's focus on adapting its products to regional markets.
In Europe, the price of the Model Y has increased by around 100,000 Danish kroner. At least for the so-called Launch edition car. Which costs around 460,000 Danish kroner.
And although Tesla states that it can deliver the new Model Y as early as the beginning of March, several analysts predict that the car at that price will have a difficult time on the Danish market.
In comparison, the price in China is significantly lower – just around 300,000 kroner. However, it is still a price increase. But only by just over 13,000 Danish kroner. This difference in pricing policy has attracted attention among car buyers and analysts.
Media reports vary regarding sales figures. According to Yicai, 73,400 copies of the new Model Y were sold in China in the first five days, while other sources say sales are around 60,000 cars.
Regardless of the exact numbers, sales results show high demand for the facelifted Model Y. However, smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi claims to have sold even more cars in an even shorter time. Read more about it here .
Unlike Danish customers, the Chinese have the option to disregard the so-called launch edition and order a base model of Model Y with rear-wheel drive.
The model is being manufactured with a focus on meeting the needs of Chinese customers. Just as Tesla is keeping the Chinese assembly lines and local development of the car running, Tesla's strategy in China differs in several ways from the brand's approach to Europe.
