Image: Tesla
Tesla’s China-made vehicle sales rebounded in September, marking a return to growth after two straight months of year-over-year declines. According to data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), Tesla China sold 90,812 vehicles last month, including both domestic sales and exports — up 2.82% year-over-year and 9.16% from August’s 83,192 units (via CnEVPost).
The rebound was spurred by strong demand for the new six-seat Model Y L, which launched in China in August and began deliveries in early September. Local reports suggest that orders for the Model Y L hit 120,000 within just two weeks of launch, averaging nearly 10,000 per day. The three-row SUV, which adds flexibility for families and larger groups, has proven to be a hit among Chinese buyers.
Tesla’s latest numbers signal the company’s first month of positive growth in Q3, following a roughly 40% rebound in August sales compared to July as demand continued to recover in the region. September also saw Tesla wrap up the quarter with its strongest week of sales in China, further underscoring the Model Y L’s impact.
From January through September, Tesla sold 606,364 vehicles from its Shanghai Gigafactory, including exports, down 10.27% from the same period last year. Despite that year-to-date decline, China remains one of Tesla’s most important markets — accounting for nearly half of its global deliveries. In Q3, Tesla China delivered 241,890 vehicles, or about 48.7% of the company’s record 497,099 global deliveries.
Looking ahead, Tesla is preparing to begin deliveries of the refreshed Model 3 in China. The update brings back the traditional turn signal stalk and adds a new front bumper camera, coinciding with similar updates to the Model 3 in North America and beyond. With fresh products and renewed consumer interest, Tesla could be setting up for a stronger close to the year in its biggest international market.
