Tesla drops the cheapest X, S variants, reduces prices to simplify the range

BEIJING (Reuters) – Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) dropped the standard range variants of its X and S models from its product line and adjusted prices across its entire range, following a sales surge that took place several days after that the American manufacturer of electric vehicles has announced record deliveries.

To simplify its offerings, the manufacturer on Tuesday limited the variants of its model X sport utility vehicle and its Model S sedan to "Long Range" and the more expensive model "Performance". It has also reduced the price of its entry-level Long Range variants.

The discontinuation of variants of the standard range, however, leads to a rise in starting prices, rising to $ 84,990 for the X model and $ 79,990 for the S model, not counting possible purchase incentives. .

Tesla also lowered the starting price of its consumer model 3 to $ 38,990.

"To further simplify the purchase of our vehicles, we are standardizing our vehicle lineup and streamlining the number of trim modules available for the S, X and 3 models," Tesla said in a statement.

"We are also adjusting our rates to continue to improve affordability for customers."

Earlier this month, Tesla said global shipments of its three models in the second quarter of this year had increased 51 percent from the previous quarter, reaching a record 95,200 vehicles. Model 3 accounted for about 80% of the total, highlighting the vehicle's role as a pivotal part of Tesla's growth strategy.

The automaker said it expects production and shipments to continue growing in the third quarter.

In China, the world's largest market for electric vehicles, the changes made by Tesla have raised the starting price of its X model to 790,900 yuan ($ 115,068) and its model S to 776,900 yuan.

Tesla is currently building a plant in Shanghai where he plans to build model 3 cars. He takes orders for the versions made in China, whose starting price is 328,000 yuan.