Tesla plans to launch China vehicle output within 3 years
Tesla Motors Inc. expects to build an assembly plant and r&d center in China within three years, the company disclosed on its Chinese website, citing CEO Elon Musk.
Musk made the remarks to Chinese media late last month at an economic forum on Hainan Island in the South China Sea. Reporters had inquired about Tesla's production plans in China.
But Musk cautioned that Tesla won't produce vehicles outside the United States until its assembly plant in California operates at full capacity, according to the website.
Production in China will allow Tesla to avoid paying hefty import duties in China. Tesla would also become eligible for Chinese government subsidies available to companies that build electric vehicles in the country.
Musk also told Chinese media that Tesla's deliveries in China in March surged more than 130 percent from February. He did not disclose the company's unit sales.
Tesla started selling the Model S electric sedan in 2013. Speaking at the Automotive News World Congress in January, Musk admitted that sales in China had been slow because of consumers' concerns about the lack of EV charging stations.
But Musk cautioned that Tesla won't produce vehicles outside the United States until its assembly plant in California operates at full capacity, according to the website.
Production in China will allow Tesla to avoid paying hefty import duties in China. Tesla would also become eligible for Chinese government subsidies available to companies that build electric vehicles in the country.
Musk also told Chinese media that Tesla's deliveries in China in March surged more than 130 percent from February. He did not disclose the company's unit sales.
Tesla started selling the Model S electric sedan in 2013. Speaking at the Automotive News World Congress in January, Musk admitted that sales in China had been slow because of consumers' concerns about the lack of EV charging stations.
