Hundreds of Tesla car owners gathered at the automaker’s showrooms and distribution centers in China this weekend, demanding rebates and credit after sudden price cuts. For them, this reduction means that they have paid more for electric cars recently purchased.
On Saturday, about 200 recent Tesla Model Y and Model 3 buyers gathered at a Tesla delivery center in Shanghai to protest the US automaker’s decision to slash prices for the second time in three months on Friday.
Many said they believed the prices Tesla charged for its cars at the end of last year would not be cut as abruptly or as deeply as the automaker has just announced in a move to spur sales and support production at its Shanghai factory.
The scheduled expiration of a government subsidy in late 2022 has also prompted many to complete their purchases.
Videos posted on social media showed crowds at Tesla stores and delivery centers in other Chinese cities from Chengdu to Shenzhen, suggesting a broad consumer reaction.
After Friday’s surprise discounts, Tesla’s electric vehicle prices in China are now between 13% and 24% below September levels.
While established automakers often give discounts to manage inventories and keep factories running when demand weakens, Tesla operates without dealerships, and price transparency is part of its brand image.
“It may be normal business practice, but this is not how a responsible company should behave,” said the owner of a Tesla who protested at the company’s delivery center in the Shanghai suburb of Minhang on Saturday, and gave his last name. like Zhang.
Tesla does not plan to compensate buyers who took delivery before the latest price cut, a Tesla China spokesman told Reuters on Saturday.
He did not respond when asked to comment on the protests.
Source: CNN Brasil

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