Tesla slashes Model Y prices in Europe, reacting to increased competition and supply chain disruptions in Germany.
Price Reductions Across Key Markets
Tesla has recently reduced the prices of its Model Y cars across several European countries. This move follows a week after announcing price cuts for its Model 3 and Model Y in China. The price reductions affect Germany, France, Norway, and the Netherlands, as seen on Tesla’s local websites. In Germany, the Model Y rear-wheel drive is now priced at 42,990 euros, a 4.2% discount.
The Long Range model sees an 8.1% price cut to 49,990 euros. In France, Tesla’s price cuts reach up to 6.7%, and in the Netherlands, reductions are as high as 7.7%. Norway sees cuts between 5.6% and 7.1%. Following these announcements, Tesla shares fell by 1.6% in U.S. premarket trading.
Background of Price Cuts in China
Before these European reductions, Tesla had already cut prices for its Model 3 and Model Y cars in China. Over the past year, Tesla has aggressively reduced prices in China, competing against local rival BYD. There, the Model 3 saw a 6% price cut, and the Model Y dropped by 11%, as per JL Warren Capital.
Challenges in German Operations
Tesla’s German operations have encountered disruptions. Recent attacks in the Red Sea have affected global trade and Tesla’s supply chain. As a result, Tesla temporarily halted most car production at its Berlin-Brandenburg plant last week. The pause was due to component shortages caused by altered transport routes.
Growing Competition in the EV Market
The electric vehicle market is becoming increasingly competitive. In 2023, Chinese carmaker BYD, backed by Warren Buffet, surpassed Tesla as the world’s largest EV maker. In Germany, Volkswagen overtook Tesla as the top EV seller, achieving a 13.5% market share compared to Tesla’s 12.1%, according to the German federal motor authority KBA.
