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| Tesla started exporting Model 3 cars made in China to Europe |
Tesla said Monday that it will begin exporting Chinese-made Model 3 cars to more than 10 European countries this month and that the automakers joining the ranks will use China as an electric vehicle export hub.
The US automaker began delivering cars made at the Shanghai plant in December last year. The company said that Chinese cars will be exported to countries such as Germany, France, Italy and Switzerland this month.
Tesla's German rival BMW is preparing to export its iX3 electric car to Europe. The iX3 electric vehicle will be manufactured in a joint venture factory in Shenyang, China, and the smart series will be produced by Daimler. The car was transferred to Hangzhou Bay.
Even as tensions escalate between Washington and Beijing, Tesla continues to expand into China. The Shanghai plant is Tesla's first automobile plant outside the United States. The goal is to produce 150,000 cars this year.
“The Chinese government's support for industry, innovative domestic companies and customers who adopt new technologies will make China the cheapest market for smart electric cars,” Tesla said, adding that it would increase the network of manufacturing, transportation and trade.
The electric car maker, which sold 11,000 Model 3 cars in China last month and is the largest auto market in China, is working hard to produce Y-Type sports cars in Shanghai.
According to people familiar with the matter, Reuters reported in September that Tesla plans to export Chinese-made Model 3 cars to Asian and European markets.
While Tesla is building a German plant in the suburbs of Berlin, Tesla is exporting Model 3 cars to Europe after the federal government announced a subsidy of up to 9,000 euros for electric vehicle buyers (including Model 3 cars).