Tesla quits online sales of $ 35,000 model 3, creating new obstacle for buyers
Over a month ago, Tesla said it would start selling the much-anticipated $ 35,000 version of its 3-sedan model, the lowest offer.
Now, as deliveries are about to begin, the company suddenly goes online selling the $ 35,000 model and making other changes that effectively increase the car's price for many customers.
In a blog post late on Thursday, Tesla said it would not accept online orders for the $ 35,000 version of the model 3. Customers who want cars at that price must now contact the company by phone or buy them at one of their stores .
Model 3s ordered online will now include Tesla's Autopilot driver assistance system and a longer battery range, changes that increase the price to $ 39,500. Tesla said in the blog post that it made the changes to "simplify vehicle selection and make Autopilot less expensive."
On February 28, the company's CEO, Elon Musk, said the $ 35,000 model was finally available. He also said that Tesla would close most of its stores and showrooms to cut costs hoping to produce the low-cost model for profit while increasing the weight of online sales. Less than two weeks later, the company pulled back and said it would keep many stores and showrooms open.
In its announcement on Thursday, Tesla said it would start leasing model 3, but would not offer customers the opportunity to buy cars after their lease expired, a departure from the typical industry practice.
The movements coincide with a decline in Tesla's sales, especially in the US. In the first quarter, the company delivered around 63,000 cars, a decrease of 31 per cent from the fourth quarter.
