Tesla unveils Model 3 manufactured in China with media test runs

Tesla has unveiled its first Model 3-produced-in-China at Gigafactory 3 in Shanghai, and it has even begun giving media trial runs of the vehicle before the launch.

During revenue last month, the automaker confirmed that it has produced full cars at the new factory as part of sample production:

We are already producing full cars on trial basis, from bodywork, to paint and to general assembly, at Gigafactory Shanghai. We have cleared the first milestones against the production license and are working to complete the license and fulfill other regulatory requirements before we begin the production and delivery of vehicles from Shanghai.

Earlier this week, Chairman Robyn Denholm confirmed that Tesla is in fact still looking for a "production certification" and they expect to have it by the end of the year:

"We are partnering with the local government to get our factory certification, which we hope we will be able to by the end of the year. "

Nevertheless, the carmaker is still producing Model 3 vehicles as part of its" sample production "at the factory in the meantime.

Last week, we reported on Tesla teasing some of the first Model 3 vehicles manufactured at the factory.

Although the carmaker appears to still not have the authority's approval to officially start production and sales, it has used the first vehicles to provide made-in-China & # 39; Model 3 media drives.

Based on a quick overview of the reporting that went so far, it seems that the vehicle has been fairly well received.

Here is an example of Chinese media reporting on the & # 39; made-in-China & # 39; Model 3 with English subtitles:

Electrek & # 39; s Tasks

& # 39; Miracle & # 39; is really that Tesla has managed to put together a full Tesla Model 3 at Gigafactory Shanghai just about 9 months after breaking ground at the factory site.

There are still questions about how much of the car is being built at the factory, but at least the vehicle is assembled at the factory, which is impressive by itself.

As we previously reported, production startup will be an important milestone as it will be the first electric vehicle factory wholly owned by a foreign car manufacturer in China and Tesla's second electric vehicle factory.

But beyond that for Tesla, it will open up a larger market for those in China with lower prices and better access to EV incentives.

We will closely monitor all government announcements and official production starts over the next few days.

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