Tesla has been expanding its operations around the world as of late, and to do so, it will need to expand its employee base too.
On Sunday, Reuters reported that Tesla is currently searching for a design director in China, according to sources familiar with the matter who remained anonymous.
The hire will be a part of the company’s goal to open a full studio in Shanghai or Beijing, where Tesla will design electric vehicles (EVs) suited specifically for the Chinese auto market.
I think my 2yo son has bright future waiting for him in @Tesla design. Are you hiring @elonmusk ? #tesla #cybertruck #design #car pic.twitter.com/Qch8NfVVs4
— David Mařák (@DavidMarakXR) November 23, 2019
Tesla is looking for a “bi-cultural” candidate with over 20 years of experience. Additionally, the company is looking to hire someone who is familiar with Chinese tastes and can help build cars that will appeal to both the US and China.
While Tesla’s Design Chief Franz von Holzhausen has reportedly been interviewing candidates for the past several months, it isn’t clear how many candidates have applied for the position or been interviewed.
China is both the world’s largest auto market, and the largest EV market. It’s also Tesla’s second-biggest market behind the US, and Chinese sales are expected to reach 1.5 million vehicles this year, according to LMC Automotive.
The company’s Model Y launched in China on January 1, and is already sold out for Q1, as new orders aren’t delivering until May.
Tesla certainly has the leverage to take its time searching for the right hire. However, it isn’t clear when the design center is expected to become functional, and that’s likely to be the company’s main deadline.
