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A big leap forward. For once, the phrase is appropriate: Tesla has signed a preliminary agreement with the Shanghai government for the construction of a plant capable of producing 500,000 vehicles a year. A multibillion-dollar project, at the very least, which could thus bring the terrible child of the world car to raise new funds.
This mega-factory must therefore become in five years minimum the second manufacturing unit the Californian manufacturer of electric cars, which until now has been manufacturing its machines only in Fremont, north of San Jose. The future Chinese factory is likely to even become the first in size of the group: in California, Tesla has badembled only 88,000 cars in the first half. In general, manufacturers prefer factories of 200,000 or 300,000 units, more compact and running at full speed.
It's been over a year that Tesla is refining its record. Elon Musk, the group's founder, is currently on hand for the official ceremonies. To tell the truth, he did not come very far: in recent days, he was staying in Thailand, where a small Space X submarine, his other creation, was sent to rescue the children trapped in a cave.
Just returned from Cave 3. Mini-sub is ready if needed. It's made of rocket parts and named Wild Boar after kids' soccer team. Leaving here in case it may be useful in the future. Thailand is so beautiful. pic.twitter.com/EHNh8ydaTT
– Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 9, 2018
With this announcement, Tesla's international plan takes a major step forward. China is by far the world's largest current and future market for electric cars. Elon Musk also promised to announce a factory in Europe by the end of the year. Several countries, including France, are in the ranks. Today, Tesla has only a small site in the Netherlands, to finish its models sold on the Old Continent.
Prohibitive tariffs
In fact, it became urgent for Tesla to to open a site in China. Beijing has indeed introduced a 40% tax on vehicles imported from the United States, in response to the global trade war opened by Donald Trump. This forced the builder to increase its prices on the spot by some $ 20,000 … An unsustainable situation.
In November, Elon Musk explained that his future Chinese factory, supposed to be 100% owned by Tesla under the new Chinese rules, would also produce for Southeast Asia, and that he would probably bademble Model 3 and Model Y. Or cars cheaper than his Model X and S (sold in general more $ 100,000). Last year, Tesla sold 15,000 cars in the Middle Kingdom, representing a market share of 3%. In 2017, the country weighed 17% of the group's sales.
Julien Dupont-Calbo
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