Tesla continues to see a decline in retail sales in the Chinese market, with August marking the sixth consecutive month of year-on-year decreases. In August, Tesla sold 57,152 vehicles in China, a 9.93 percent decrease from the same period last year but a significant increase from July’s figures.
The US electric vehicle maker operates a factory in Shanghai, producing the Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover for both domestic and export markets. The factory exported 26,040 vehicles in August, showing a year-on-year increase but a slight decrease from the previous month.
Tesla’s production strategy involves manufacturing vehicles for export in the first half of the quarter and focusing on the domestic market in the latter half. Despite the overall decrease in retail sales, Tesla’s share of China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market saw a slight increase in August.
Overall, from January to August, Tesla sold 361,179 vehicles in China, representing a 6.91 percent decrease compared to the same period last year. The Shanghai factory exported 154,373 vehicles during this time, down 22.60 percent year-on-year.
In terms of wholesale sales, including exports, Tesla China sold a total of 515,552 vehicles from January to August, a 12.24 percent decrease compared to the previous year. Model Y wholesale sales were 318,760 units, down 10.13 percent year-on-year, while Model 3 sales totaled 196,792 units, down 15.45 percent year-on-year.
Despite the challenges in the Chinese market, Tesla remains a significant player in the NEV sector, with its Model Y L receiving an impressive 120,000 orders since its launch in August. The model has been averaging nearly 10,000 daily orders, showcasing continued demand for Tesla’s electric vehicles in China.
