Gary Zhou 
Key Points
- 🚗 Tesla plans to display Model 3 “Highland” sedans in Chinese showrooms this month.
- 🏭 Gigafactory Shanghai nears completion of display vehicle manufacturing for the Highland Model 3.
- 🚀 Mass production set to begin after display, with ramp-up through China’s National Holiday in September.
- 📅 Rumors suggest potential September deliveries, with Chinese customers encouraged to make reservations.
- 🌐 Previous reports indicated trial production of new Model 3 design in China.
- 🛣️ Tesla makes upgrades at Fremont Factory for potential Model 3 Highland production.
- 📺 Model 3 Highland’s debut in China coincides with Tesla’s focus on Cybertruck release in North America.
According to a recent Bloomberg report, Tesla is gearing up to introduce its Model 3 “Highland” sedans to Chinese showrooms later this month.
Citing undisclosed sources familiar with the matter, the report suggests that Tesla is on the verge of completing the manufacturing of display vehicles at its Gigafactory Shanghai in China. These vehicles are anticipated to be transported to showrooms across the country towards the latter part of August.
Following this display phase, mass production is scheduled to commence shortly, with production levels expected to increase during China’s National Holiday, which commences on September 30.
Tesla’s development of the new Model 3 “Highland” design has been ongoing for over a year. Recent increases in sightings and factory leaks have intensified speculations about the vehicle’s impending release.
Recent reports from China have hinted that Tesla is preparing for the first deliveries as early as September. Tesla sales staff in China are reportedly encouraging customers to secure a reservation by paying RMB 1,000 (approximately $137), as per China Securities Journal.
Earlier this month, Chinese financial sources suggested that Tesla had initiated trial production for the new Model 3 design in China, with mass production slated for September. According to this information, initial deliveries were projected to commence in October.
While the precise delivery date remains uncertain, considering various reports, it’s likely that the Model 3 “Highland” will be accessible in China within the next 2-3 months.
Of note, Tesla has also undertaken upgrades at its Fremont Factory in Northern California that indicate preparations for Model 3 Highland production. These upgrades, tracked over time, initially emerged in the form of permits from Fremont, listed during the Summer of 2023.
While developments progress in China, it appears that the Model 3 Highland will make its debut there first. Meanwhile, Tesla’s focus is anticipated to shift more toward the release of the Cybertruck for the North American market, with initial deliveries targeted before the year’s end.
