The ultimatum passed, is the Tesla Model 3 more expensive?

The new European tariffs were supposed to take effect from Thursday, July 4, but nothing is changing at Tesla.

Tesla had been announcing for several days a price increase for the Model 3 due to the new tariffs imposed by the European Commission on cars produced in China. But surprise, this morning there is no mention of a price increase on the Tesla website and a Model 3 remains available starting at 39,990 euros. Were we misled?

To be honest, it’s not really a surprise considering how poorly this measure seemed to be thought out by Brussels. Between temporary taxes, fluctuating rates affecting consumers, and especially measures taken during the European elections, it was clear that there would be delays in implementation. The goal was mainly to put pressure on the Beijing government to gain some clarity on those famous subsidies that would disrupt the balance between European and Chinese production. China did not back down, far from it, so a new period of indecision opens up.

So far, so good…

A quick visit to the MG website confirms this with unchanged prices, and even promotions that have been ongoing for several months extended until September 30, 2024! In this case, it even looks a bit like provocation… The MG4 is still offered at 24,990 euros outright or 249 euros per month in a 49-month lease without a down payment. Move along, nothing to see here.

Let’s also remind that most European manufacturers oppose this punitive taxation, fearing a brutal backlash from Chinese authorities. And what about the rest of the European industry, from luxury sectors to spirits, who did not ask for anything and found themselves in the crosshairs of the Chinese empire? We know that two visions of free trade are clashing in this story, with on one side the clumsy European protectionism and on the other, the unbridled subsidization from China. The coming days will reveal which way the power dynamics are shifting.

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