Tesla has launched its flagship Model S and Model X models in South Korean stores ahead of deliveries later this year. This move is part of Tesla’s strategy to expand its presence in Asia, where the cars have gained widespread acclaim for their impressive acceleration.
The announcement was made on Tesla’s all-new Korean Twitter account, which is yet to be verified but is followed by other official Tesla pages. According to Tesla’s South Korea website, the Model S starts at 124,490,000 South Korean won ($94,519), while the high-performance Model S Plaid starts at 137,490,000 won ($104,389). The Model X starts higher than its sedan counterpart at 139,490,000 ($105,908), while the Model X Plaid comes in at 153,490,000 won ($116,537).
Although it is unclear when the new models will be delivered to the South Korean market, they are expected later this year, if not this quarter. South Korean buyers do not have access to the popular Midnight Cherry Red color but can choose from the all-new Ultra Red and other typical colors. The interior colors available in South Korea are black, white, and cream, the same as those in other markets.
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Tesla’s launch in South Korea follows similar launches in Mainland China, the company’s second-largest market by revenue behind the United States. The automaker is expected to continue expanding its market reach and may soon introduce its top-tier models in South East Asia.
However, Tesla faces stiff competition from domestic alternatives in the South Korean market, notably including the Hyundai/Kia conglomerate. With rapidly increasing competition in the region, Tesla will need to work hard to build up its market share against its rivals.
In response to the growing competition, Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering the best products and services to its customers, stating, “Our goal when we created Tesla a decade ago was the same as it is today: to accelerate the advent of sustainable transport by bringing compelling mass-market electric cars to market as soon as possible.”
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As the world moves towards a sustainable future, Tesla’s expansion into new markets like South Korea will play a vital role in shaping the future of the automotive industry. With its cutting-edge technology and commitment to innovation, Tesla is well-positioned to continue leading the way in the electric vehicle space.