Tesla has quietly discontinued the right-hand-drive (RHD) Mannequin S sedan and Mannequin X SUV in Australia and New Zealand. A glimpse at their regional web sites reveals a simple discover on prime stating that the fashions are unavailable to order and that the specs displayed are US values.
The transfer comes within the wake of Tesla’s determination to cease manufacturing RHD variations of the Mannequin X and Mannequin Y, reportedly because of mechanical and logistical hurdles.
The corporate is implementing related measures in different RHD markets like Hong Kong and Singapore. Tesla has supplied reservation holders in Australia a full refund, or the choice to purchase the smaller Mannequin 3 or Mannequin Y with a $2000 credit score (3000 Australian {dollars}).
A number of consumers have expressed their ire on social media, and understandably in order a few of them have been ready for his or her orders since 2020.
Right here’s what Twitter consumer @BennyShoogs wrote after Tesla canceled his Mannequin S Plaid reservation:
A bit unhappy. Cybertruck order was canceled and now Mannequin S Plaid. Nonetheless completely satisfied to have an RHD Mannequin X already. Now apparently a collector’s merchandise. Can be tremendous thinking about anybody doing conversions from LHD to RHD in Australia. Would fortunately import one from the US to take action.
The model’s determination affected different RHD markets as effectively, together with the UK, Eire, Thailand, and Japan. Nonetheless, these markets enable LHD vehicles, which is why the model’s Japanese and British web sites point out that the Mannequin X and Mannequin S are nonetheless out there, albeit in LHD configuration.
Within the UK, Tesla is providing reservation holders the choice to purchase LHD variations of the Mannequin S or Mannequin X, change to the RHD Mannequin 3 or Mannequin Y, or cancel their orders altogether for a full refund. After receiving Tesla’s discover, some UK consumers reportedly booked the Mercedes EQS and the Porsche Taycan.
It’s unclear at this level whether or not the RHD Mannequin X and Mannequin Y will ever be out there once more in these markets. Final month, the model reportedly resumed talks with the Indian authorities to think about organising a neighborhood manufacturing facility. India is an RHD market.
Do you suppose Tesla will resume manufacturing of its RHD flagship fashions? Or are they consigned to the historical past books? Go away your ideas within the feedback.