Tesla China is back in the green, reporting a notable increase in sales for September. The electric vehicle giant moved 90,812 cars, marking a 9.2% jump from August and a 2.8% rise compared to the same month last year. This growth is particularly significant as it ends a two-month period of year-over-year sales decline in July and August.
The primary catalyst for this resurgence appears to be the introduction of the new Model Y L, Tesla’s six-seater variant of its best-selling SUV. Launched on August 19 in China, deliveries of the three-row Model Y L began in early September, quickly impacting sales figures.
Tesla’s Performance in the Chinese Market
For the period of January to September, Tesla China sold 606,364 vehicles. While impressive, this figure is 10.3% lower than sales during the same timeframe last year. However, the strong September performance signals a potential turnaround.
In the third quarter alone, Tesla China delivered 241,89 units, showing a healthy 26.2% increase from the second quarter. Still, when looking at the broader picture, Q3 sales were down 2.9% compared to the third quarter of the previous year. Remarkably, China’s sales contributed almost half, 48.7%, of Tesla’s global sales of 497,099 units for the quarter. This highlights the crucial role the Chinese market plays in Tesla’s global strategy.
Tesla’s sales data for China is meticulously tracked and shared by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). These figures encompass all vehicles sold from Tesla’s Shanghai factory, covering both domestic sales and exports. It is worth noting that the Shanghai facility exclusively manufactures the Model 3 sedan and the Model Y SUV, along with their various iterations.
What’s Next for Tesla in China?
While the detailed breakdown of domestic retail sales and exports for September is yet to be released by car associations, more exciting news is already on the horizon for Tesla enthusiasts in China.
Recently, Tesla submitted a homologation application for a new Model Y variant to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). This new model is expected to be a Long Range RWD version, equipped with an LG battery and a single rear-wheel drive motor. Speculation suggests this variant will boast an impressive range, likely exceeding 800 km CLTC, making it an even more compelling option for Chinese consumers. This strategic move could further solidify Tesla’s position in the fiercely competitive Chinese EV market, where innovation and range are key drivers for success.
