A smattering of recent Model 3 and Model Y sightings, along with signs of an imminent expansion into Singapore, are signalling that Tesla is making moves to increase its model offerings and footprints in the South East Asian region.
And it could mean big news for Australia, both for the availability of the Model Y electric crossover in Australia, and China-made and potentially lower cost Model 3 electric sedans.
Australia currently sources its Tesla’s Model 3s from the Fremont factory in California, and the Model Y electric crossover is not yet even available for pre-orders.
But two recent sightings, including made-in-China Model 3s in right-hand drive, and a camouflaged Model Y apparently also made in China, could signal that changes are afoot.
According to “Ray4Tesla”, a Tesla watcher located in Shanghai, six RHD Model 3s have been spotted in Hong Kong. The VINs on the vehicle begin with “LRW” which indicates they have been made in China.
JUST IN: 6 MIC Model 3s are spotted in Hong Kong. VIN # starting with LRW indicates MIC. All these are RHD or RHW vehicles. Based on this info, it may not be long before we see MIC Model 3s in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, etc.
Source: @cyfoxcat pic.twitter.com/5bICh54XaT
— Ray4️⃣Tesla⚡️????☀️???? (@ray4tesla) November 8, 2020
These are the first images of RHD Model 3s from China that we have seen to date.
In September, Bloomberg reported that sources confirmed China-made Model 3s would be exported to right-hand drive markets in the Asia Pacific region, as well as Europe.
China-made Model 3s are now being shipped to Europe, and it would appear the expansion to SE Asia and the Pacific is also now underway.
As Ray4Tesla notes, “Based on this info, it may not be long before we see MIC Model 3s in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, etc.”
To read the full version of this story, please go to our EV-focussed sister site, The Driven and click here…
