Tesla’s sales of China-made vehicles saw a decline last month, contrasting with the strong performance of major Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers. According to data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), Tesla China sold 58,459 vehicles in April, which includes both domestic sales and exports to overseas markets.
This figure represents a 5.96 percent decrease from the 62,167 vehicles sold in the same period last year and a significant 25.84 percent drop from the 78,828 vehicles sold in March. In the January-April period, Tesla China sold a total of 231,213 vehicles, marking an 18.31 percent decrease compared to the same period in the previous year.
Tesla operates a manufacturing plant in Shanghai where it produces the Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover. The vehicles manufactured at this facility are intended for local customers as well as for export to international markets. While specific details regarding Tesla’s deliveries in China in April and the exports from the Shanghai plant are not yet available, the overall sales figures indicate a downward trend for the company in the region.
In contrast to Tesla’s performance, other major Chinese EV makers demonstrated robust sales numbers in April. Nio Inc delivered 23,900 vehicles, marking its second-highest monthly sales figure to date. This represents a 53.01 percent increase from the same period last year and a substantial 58.92 percent growth from March.
Xpeng also reported strong sales, delivering 35,045 vehicles in April, which is the second-highest monthly sales figure in the company’s history. This marks the sixth consecutive month that Xpeng’s deliveries have exceeded 30,000 units, with a remarkable 273.10 percent year-on-year increase.
Li Auto delivered 33,939 vehicles in April, showing a 31.61 percent increase from the previous year. However, this figure represents a slight decrease of 7.46 percent from March’s sales numbers. Additionally, Xiaomi’s electric vehicle unit, Xiaomi EV, delivered over 28,000 units in April, further highlighting the growing competitiveness of the Chinese EV market.
Overall, while Tesla China experienced a decline in sales in April, other major Chinese EV manufacturers showcased strong performance, indicating the continued growth and competitiveness of the EV industry in the region. The contrasting sales figures reflect the dynamic nature of the market and the diverse range of players vying for market share.