Tesla owners protest against surprise price cuts they missed


SHANGHAI – Hundreds of Tesla owners flocked to the Chinese automaker’s showrooms and distribution centers last weekend to demand rebates and credits following the sudden price cut. Electric car they have purchased before.

About 200 recent Tesla Model Y and Model 3 buyers gathered at Tesla’s distribution center in Shanghai on Saturday to protest the US automaker’s decision on Friday to cut prices for the second time in three months.

Many people think that the price is Tesla EV billings at the end of last year will not be cut as suddenly or as drastically as automakers announced in moves to boost sales and support production at their Shanghai assembly plants. The scheduled expiration of government subsidies at the end of 2022 has also prompted many to finalize their purchases.

Videos posted on social media showed crowds at Tesla stores and distribution centers in other Chinese cities from Chengdu to Shenzhen, signaling a widespread consumer backlash. I can see it.

After Friday’s surprise discount, Tesla’s EV prices in China are now down 13% to 24% from September levels.

Analysts say Tesla’s move is likely to boost sales that fell in December and could force other EV makers to cut prices amid weak demand in the world’s largest battery-powered car market. It is said that it is expensive.

Analyst Daniel Ives, who follows Tesla at Wedbush Morgan, tweeted on Friday that the price cuts are part of a soft EV cycle with increased competition in China. ‘ said.

Established automakers often offer discounts to manage inventories and keep factories running when demand weakens, but Tesla operates without dealers, and transparent pricing is a key part of its brand image. has become part.

“It may be normal business practice, but this is not how a responsible company should behave,” said one Tesla employee protesting at the company’s distribution center in Shanghai’s Minhang suburb on Saturday. The owner said he gave his last name as Zhang.

He and other Tesla owners, who said they took delivery in the last few months of 2022, are frustrated by Friday’s sudden price drop and Tesla’s lack of explanation to recent buyers.

Zhang said police facilitated a meeting with Tesla staff and the assembled owners, who handed them a list of demands, including apologies and compensation or other credits. He added that Tesla staff had agreed to respond by Tuesday.


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