Refreshed Tesla Model Y takes China by storm with 50,000 orders on launch day

Tesla's latest iteration of the Model Y, dubbed "Juniper," has made a big entry into the Chinese electric vehicle market. According to local sources, the new Model Y racked up an impressive 50,000 orders on its launch day alone. This surge in demand proves the popularity of the Tesla brand in China, particularly the Model Y, which has consistently been a top seller in the country's EV sector.

The "Juniper" update introduced a refreshed design and improved features to the Model Y. Two trims are available in China: the rear-wheel drive (RWD) variant, priced at RMB 263,500 (approximately $35,950), and the long-range all-wheel drive (AWD) version, priced at RMB 303,500 (approximately $41,400). Despite many discounted older Model Y vehicles still available, Chinese consumers have overwhelmingly opted for the updated "Juniper" version.

In 2024, Tesla delivered 480,309 Model Ys in China, representing a 5% increase from 2023. While exports from China decreased by 54% in the same year, the domestic demand for Tesla EVs remains strong.

According to reports from Tesla salespeople in China, customers who place orders now will have to wait until April or May for delivery. And yet, the long waiting times have not deterred any buyers, demonstrating the strong appeal of the updated Model Y.

As the world's largest EV market, China plays a crucial role in Tesla's global growth strategy, and the enthusiastic reception of the "Juniper" Model Y reinforces the company's strong position in this key market. But China wasn't the only market where the new Model Y was launched last week. Singapore, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, and Australia all opened order books for the new version of the world's most popular EV.

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