Tesla sells its cars “at the price of a daily meal” in China

Facing a decline in interest for its products in China, Tesla is resorting to sales operations to boost its sales.

Pay a lot now… and less later. This is somewhat the main idea of Tesla in China to encourage customers to take the plunge and buy a Model 3 or a Model Y produced at the Shanghai factory. The Model S and X made in the U.S. are therefore excluded.

To put it simply, if the customer pays about a third of the car’s price at the time of ordering, amounting to 80,000 yuan (10,200 euros), Tesla will accompany the remaining amount with a 0% loan over three years. This offer will be valid throughout 2024, proving the depth of the problem that seems to be plaguing Tesla in China for several months. Tesla China backs its advertising campaign with a rather questionable message: “The best-selling Model 3/Y has a daily payment of only 154 RMB (19.6 euros. Ed.) at most, which is equivalent to the price of a hot meal“.

Nevertheless, the remaining amount spread over three years will require very high monthly payments: 590 euros for the Model 3 Propulsion and 651 euros for the Model Y Propulsion. It’s worth noting that the average salary in China was 1,100 euros/month in 2023.

A second equally quirky offer?

Tesla is shooting in all directions and is offering the possibility of a second sales offer. This involves encouraging Chinese customers to trade in their current car for a Tesla. This “turnaround” comes with a 0% loan spread over 5 years. Thus, monthly payments drop to 352 euros/month for a Model 3 Propulsion and 390 euros/month for a Model Y Propulsion.

What about the “time bomb” that managing a suddenly too large number of used cars from other brands would represent for Tesla? The loss in value could be enormous!

Finally, Tesla will offer the Autopilot option for free for 90 days to its new customers and the possibility to use a replacement vehicle in case of breakdown for a duration of 14 days. Royal!

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