Tesla said it will announce a new offering for Australia and New Zealand on Friday, without providing details on whether the reveal will involve a new vehicle, technology or service.
The company informed local media outlet Drive that the unveiling will take place on August 29 but did not elaborate on what will be presented. The move comes as Tesla looks to strengthen its position in the region, where sales have been under pressure this year.
The announcement follows Tesla’s recent launch of the Model Y L, a long-wheelbase, six-seat version of its best-selling crossover, though that model is currently limited to the Chinese market. The U.S. carmaker has also signaled interest in bringing its Cybertruck pickup to Australia, but executives have suggested it may be some time before that happens.
Another possibility is an update on Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving Supervised” system, its most advanced driver-assist software that allows hands-free but not fully autonomous driving. The technology has been undergoing testing in Sydney, Melbourne, and other right-hand-drive markets, including the UK and Japan.
“We have been working with local authorities across AU & NZ and there are no regulatory blockers for release,” Tesla Australia country director Thom Drew said in a LinkedIn post last month.
Tesla’s sales in Australia have fallen 41% year-to-date, though recent growth has been recorded with the updated Model Y SUV. The Friday announcement could signal a new phase in the company’s regional strategy.
