In May 2023, the electric car manufacturer Tesla announced a change in its vehicle strategy: stopping sales of the right-hand drive versions of the Model S and X. This decision particularly affects customers in countries with left-hand traffic such as Great Britain and Australia.
• Tesla stops selling right-hand drive versions
• Affected customers receive compensation measures
• Tesla introduces “The Reacher”.
Mechanical and logistical challenges and compensation measures
When manufacturing vehicles, manufacturers typically produce different models for right-hand and left-hand drive markets. However, these differences can create a number of challenges. Mechanical complications can arise, for example, when design changes need to be carried over from one model to another, especially when it comes to complex parts such as the steering system or the braking and acceleration systems.
Furthermore, the production of two different model variants can also lead to logistical difficulties. Aspects such as warehousing, transportation and distribution can require more resources when handling two different models and increase the complexity of the entire process.
For these reasons, Tesla stopped selling right-hand drive models in May. As reported by auto motor und sport, Tesla now offers alternative left-hand drive models in Great Britain and Japan.
As part of the transition, Tesla has proposed various compensation measures for customers who had already ordered a right-hand drive version of the Model S or X. They have the option of receiving a voucher worth £2,000 towards the purchase of a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y. Another option is to have the deposit refunded, according to auto motor und sport in a post.
For those who still decide to buy a left-hand drive, Tesla has made an offer available: free electricity on the Tesla Superchargers for three years, as W&V reports in an online article.
“The Reacher”
But that’s not all. As an added incentive for customers in right-hand traffic countries, Tesla is providing a tool: a reacher called “The Reacher”.
@Tesla‘s The Reacher! pic.twitter.com/UUG0Wk04V5
— SE Robinson, Jr (@SERobinsonJr) June 30, 2023
With this device, left-hand drive users can easily obtain parking tickets or take orders in a drive-through, even if these services are offered on the opposite side of the vehicle.
Although Tesla has tried to minimize the impact of its decision on customers, it has been met with resentment in right-hand drive countries, particularly the UK. According to a report by electrek, UK customers who have been waiting for the Model S Plaid for years are particularly dissatisfied.
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