Skip to main content

Tesla shuts down protesters – no compensation for price drop

Tesla is shutting down buyers in China who are protesting after missing out on significant price drops in the country. The company stated that it will not compensate them.

Last week, we reported on Tesla slashing prices in China, which raised demand concerns for the automaker in the important EV market.

The price drops on some Model 3 and Model Y trims were significant.

It resulted in many recent Tesla buyers protesting the price drop at Tesla stores as they claim Tesla misled them into buying at the end of last year while knowing the price drop was coming.

The protesters have continued their activities at Tesla stores and Tesla’s Shanghai factory throughout the weekend.

Yesterday, Tesla jumped on a WeChat group used by the protesters with its official account to tell them that they don’t plan to offer any compensation to buyers who took delivery last year.

Some claim that they will continue their effort despite Tesla shutting them down. One of the protesters at the Tesla Gigafactory Shanghai this weekend told the media:

We trusted the brand so much that we cancelled our orders for other brands for Tesla.

Separately, local reports in China, which we take with a grain of salt, are reporting that Tesla’s price drops are working in the market, with estimates ranging between 10,000 and 30,000 orders since the price drop.

The impact has been seen in Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y delivery timelines, which have increased a bit over the last few days.

Electrek’s Take

I know it’s hard for many Tesla fans to sympathize with the protesters. I understand. They agreed to a price and bought it fully knowing the terms. Plus, there hasn’t been much protesting after the many other price increases from Tesla in China over the last two years.

Top comment by Damon Ekstrom

Liked by 19 people

I can definitely sympathize with those people. I took home a 2023 model 3 at the end of November, which means that I missed out on the price cut that Tesla announced for the month of December. Needless to say I was really bummed, especially since you have no control over when you can take delivery. Not to mention, Tesla could announce a price cut tomorrow, and if you took delivery today then you're SOL.

View all comments

However, I am sure you can understand how frustration could arise if your Tesla adviser told you that there will be no upcoming price drop and that’s what convinced you to go ahead with your order.

That’s what many protesters are claiming.

With that said, I don’t think protesting will lead to anything. Tesla already made clear that they will not compensate people, and historically (and there’s a lot of history of Chinese Tesla customers protesting), it has never led to anything positive for customers.

On top of it, Tesla has been trigger-happy in suing people in China lately. I am not saying it’s warranted in this case, but I’d be careful.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Stay up to date with the latest content by subscribing to Electrek on Google News. You’re reading Electrek— experts who break news about Tesla, electric vehicles, and green energy, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow Electrek on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our YouTube channel for the latest reviews.

Comments

Author

Avatar for Fred Lambert Fred Lambert

Fred is the Editor in Chief and Main Writer at Electrek.

You can send tips on Twitter (DMs open) or via email: fred@9to5mac.com

Through Zalkon.com, you can check out Fred’s portfolio and get monthly green stock investment ideas.


Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications