[ad_1]
The company gave no specific reason for the changes announced Friday, but it has gone through a difficult period in 2018, after months of blocking manufacturing and delays in the deployment of its model 3, the best-selling.
Last week, the number of shipments fell by 31% in the first three months of 2019 compared to the previous quarter, the largest decline ever recorded.
Even with price increases, drivers may actually have a better offer than before. Its standard 3 plus model previously cost $ 37,500, plus $ 3,000 for the autopilot. It will now be sold for $ 39,500 including assisted driving.
It offers drivers autonomous driving features. It can help motorists change lanes, park and exit highways.
"The autopilot is very important because our data clearly indicate that the risk of an accident is much lower when the autopilot is activated," the company said in a statement.
"The autopilot greatly enhances the quality of the driving experience, especially in busy places, as frequently described by thousands of customers online," the text adds.
More changes for model 3
The company also makes it difficult for customers to purchase the most basic version of Model 3, which sells for $ 35,000 and does not come with the autopilot. The vehicle will no longer be sold online – customers will need to call or visit a Tesla service center to order one. The Standard 3 model and the 3 Plus model are essentially the same vehicle. To give customers who are willing to pay more for the Standard Plus, Tesla demotes the capabilities of the Model 3, limiting the number of kilometers traveled on a single load, blocking some autopilot functions and preventing drivers from heating seats.
CEO Elon Musk had long promised a version of Model 3 for $ 35,000, but it was put on sale at the end of February. Musk said at the time that the company should close stores and fire workers in order to keep production of the car cheaper. He subsequently canceled plans to close the store.
Starting Friday, guests will have the option to rent, rather than purchase, the model 3. For a small down payment and monthly fees, customers can choose any version of the car and choose from a range of annual mileage options.
They will have to return the cars at the end of the rental agreement so that Tesla can use them in its unmanned telecommunication network.
Chris Isidore contributed to the reports.
[ad_2]
Source link
