Tesla’s sales in China hit the record

Sales of Tesla’s cars made directly in China reached 83,135, up from a month ago, according to a CPCA report released on Sunday. This is 8% more than the level of sales in August. This level of sales was the highest for the Shanghai enterprise since the start of production. It opened in December 2019. The previous record was set in July with 78,906 units.

Ever since the Tesla factory opened in Shanghai in late 2019, the company has been striving to run it at full capacity. In July, production was suspended for an upgrade, and then Tesla accelerated deliveries. Subsequently, the plant's weekly output increased from 17,000 in June to 22,000. However, the company plans to maintain production capacity at 93% through the end of the year. The company rarely does this.

On April 19, the factory reopened, producing the Model 3 and Model Y for import and sale to Western markets. The suspension was caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Production rates rose despite restrictions due to the heat and the epidemic that hit suppliers from the southwest of the country. However, full production will resume only by mid-June.

Since September, Tesla has introduced incentives for buyers in China, but this doesn't save the company from growing competition from other electric car manufacturers. All this is happening in an unstable economy and consumption, falling against the backdrop of anti-COVID restrictions.

The most popular brand in the domestic market is the Chinese electric car BYD. The sales level of these electric vehicles in September was 200,973 units. This is almost 15% more than in August. The CPCA said that the popularity of electric cars among buyers is caused by subsidies and high oil prices.