Tesla China is gearing up to upgrade its Giga Shanghai Model 3 line at the end of February. This is a departure from the company’s usual practice of focusing on the domestic market in the latter half of each quarter. The upgrades are expected to pave the way for the release of an updated Model 3, making the vehicle more competitive in the market.
Recent drone flyovers at the Shanghai port show that there are still a large number of Teslas waiting to be shipped abroad. Interestingly, many of the vehicles still at the port are right-hand-drive Model 3 units. This could be good news for customers in countries such as Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom, where Tesla’s production facilities primarily produce left-hand-drive vehicles.
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It is likely that this batch of right-hand-drive Model 3s could be the last to be exported before the upgrades to the Model 3 line are completed. Once the upgrades are finished, Giga Shanghai’s exports will likely feature the updated version of the all-electric sedan.
The upgrades to the Model 3 are highly anticipated, not only in China but also in the United States. The electric vehicle community is eagerly waiting for sightings of the Model 3’s “Project Highland” update, which is expected to feature a revamped infotainment system, updates to the vehicle’s exterior, and improvements in powertrain performance. The vehicle’s design is also expected to be changed to make it easier and more cost-effective to produce.
As Tesla continues to expand globally, it is important for the company to cater to the specific needs of different markets. The production of right-hand-drive Model 3s in China is a positive step towards fulfilling the demand for these vehicles in countries where driving on the left side of the road is the norm. With the upcoming upgrades to the Model 3 line, Tesla is poised to continue to innovate and stay ahead of the curve in the electric vehicle market.
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