Tesla’s Nonattendance at Auto Shanghai 2023 Elicits Inquiries Amidst Firm’s Expansionary Endeavors in China
On Monday, US automaker Tesla confirmed to the Global Times its decision not to attend the 20th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, also known as Auto Shanghai 2023. Although the company did not give a reason for its absence from China’s biggest annual auto show, its non-attendance has sparked widespread discussion. The exhibition will feature over 1,000 enterprises from across the globe, including major players such as BYD and Volkswagen. This is the first A-class international auto show to be held in China since the country’s adjustment of domestic COVID-19 measures.
According to chengdu.cn, Tesla has skipped other A-class international auto shows such as the Chengdu Motor Show in 2022. The article also notes that Tesla does not categorize itself solely as an automaker, as the company also prioritizes artificial intelligence and the energy sector.
Interestingly, Tesla recently participated in the China International Consumer Products Expo in Haikou, where it showcased a variety of advanced tech products, including its humanoid robot, the Tesla Bot. Additionally, the company announced that it will build a Megafactory in Shanghai to produce its energy storage product, Megapack. Tesla expects to break ground on the Megafactory in the third quarter of 2023.
Despite Tesla’s absence from the Auto Shanghai 2023, the company’s Gigafactory in Shanghai has experienced rapid growth since the beginning of 2023. Tesla sold 88,869 units of made-in-China electric vehicles in March, a 35% increase year-on-year.
