Tesla China experienced a mixed month in October, as local sales dipped while exports saw a substantial increase. This variation is typical for Tesla however, with Giga Shanghai shifting focus from domestic deliveries to exports at the start of each quarter.
As we reported earlier this week, data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) showed Tesla China sold 68,280 vehicles last month. That was a wholesale figure, and now the breakdown of local sales and exports has been released. On Friday the CPCA said 40,485 Tesla vehicles were sold domestically, and 27,795 were designated for export.
While Tesla’s domestic sales were at their lowest since April, they still represent a significant 41% increase compared to October 2023, when Tesla sold 28,626 vehicles in China. However, compared to September’s 72,200 sales, the October figure marks a sharp 43.9% decline.
As we noted, this variation is typical for Tesla, with the factory shifting focus from domestic deliveries to exports at the start of each quarter. Giga Shanghai, a major production hub for both the Model 3 and Model Y, also serves as a global export hub for markets worldwide, including Europe and Australia, and until recently, Canada.
Tesla’s export volume rose significantly in October, increasing by 72.4% from September’s 16,121 exports, according to data from CNEvPost. Although exports increased month-over-month, they were down 36% from October 2023, when Tesla exported 43,489 vehicles from Shanghai.
The Model Y remained the best-seller among the two models produced at Giga Shanghai, contributing to 61.9% of the October sales figure, including both domestic and exported units. However, Model Y sales saw a dip, dropping by 10.4% from October 2023 and 17.4% from September of this year.
Meanwhile, the Model 3 accounted for 38.1% of Tesla China’s total sales in October, with a slight 4.3% increase from the same month last year, although down by 30% from September.
Tesla China recently celebrated exporting its 1 millionth vehicle. The company also recently introduced a new incentive to boost year-end sales, offering buyers the chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to Shanghai to visit the factory.
