The 6th China International Import Expo (hereinafter referred to as "CIIE") was held in Shanghai from November 5th to 10th. As a brand that has participated in six consecutive exhibitions, Tesla has made its debut at the Expo this year with the theme of "Ten Years of Entering China, Benchmarking Intelligent Manufacturing", featuring a full range of S3XY models, charging and energy products, and humanoid robots.
Tesla's Global Vice President Tao Lin stated in an interview with the Beijing News Shell Finance reporter that this year marks the tenth anniversary of Tesla's entry into the Chinese market. Tesla not only invests in the huge domestic demand market in China, but also becomes an important part of China's new energy industry, working together with local Chinese enterprises to help promote the development of China's new energy industry and economic globalization. Tesla looks forward to continuing to deeply cultivate China in the continuously open Chinese economy, sharing development opportunities with all parties, and contributing to the construction of a new pattern of "dual circulation" both domestically and internationally.
The Chinese market is a 'must have option' for Tesla
Beijing News Shell Finance: In what year is Tesla participating in the CIIE? Compared to previous years, what are the differences, highlights, and characteristics of this year's exhibition?
Tao Lin: This is Tesla's sixth participation in the China International Import Expo. Our theme for this CIIE is "Ten Years of Entering China, Benchmarking Smart Manufacturing". This year marks the tenth anniversary of Tesla's entry into the Chinese market, during which we have gained a lot in this highly dynamic market.
As a brand that has participated in six consecutive exhibitions, Tesla not only brought the entire S3XY series of models to the exhibition, but also its charging and energy products such as super charging piles, Cyber chargers, home charging piles, solar roofs, home energy storage walls, commercial energy storage batteries, as well as humanoid robots, also appeared at the exhibition, aiming to lead visitors to understand Tesla's "not in" industrial layout.
Beijing News Shell Finance: How do you view the spillover effects of the CIIE platform and what assistance has it brought to the development of enterprises in China
Tao Lin: CIIE is a world-class trade event. For enterprises, CIIE is not only a display platform, but also a platform for communication, interaction, and cooperation negotiations. Leading enterprises from various industries around the world gather here for technological exchange and cooperation, breaking down information barriers, which is crucial for promoting industrial upgrading and building a new development pattern of "dual circulation".
We are pleased to take the opportunity to showcase Tesla's achievements since entering China for ten years at the Expo, and we also hope to take this opportunity to have in-depth communication with outstanding exhibitors. To accelerate the transformation of the world towards a sustainable economy, we need more and more colleagues to work together to promote industrial upgrading and development, so that a cleaner and more efficient sustainable future can arrive as soon as possible.
Beijing News Shell Finance: What is the significance of the Chinese market for Tesla? Will Tesla increase its investment in the Chinese market in the future?
Tao Lin: The importance of the Chinese market is unique. China's continuous opening-up policy, advanced development concepts, and favorable business environment have created huge opportunities for us. China has always been an extremely important market for Tesla.
Tesla's development in China over the past decade cannot be separated from strong support from national policies and China's emphasis on the business environment. China has unparalleled advantages and broad prospects in other global markets, and the Chinese market is Tesla's "must choose". We hope to continue to deeply cultivate the Chinese market, provide better products to consumers, and drive the common development and prosperity of the supply chain and industry.
Accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy is Tesla's vision, and China will be an indispensable part. I believe that in all fields, China will become another global center for Tesla.
Beijing News Shell Finance: Since the beginning of this year, the Chinese car market has been particularly "booming". Do you think this will become a major trend? Will this bring pressure to Tesla?
Tao Lin: With the strong support of the country, China's new energy vehicle industry has developed rapidly. We are optimistic, confident, and motivated about the prospects of new energy vehicles in China. On the one hand, it is the trend for electric vehicles to replace gasoline powered vehicles; On the other hand, Chinese consumers have become increasingly rational when choosing electric vehicles. They have very clear standards and ideas, and only by continuously strengthening their product capabilities can they truly win users.
Tesla hopes to continue to deeply cultivate the Chinese market and drive the common development and prosperity of the supply chain and industry. Leading alone is not as good as industry co prosperity. We are pleased to see more and more partners joining the construction of industrial modernization system, and we also hope to work together with all parties in the industry to create value and accelerate the world's transformation towards sustainable energy.
Tesla adheres to cost pricing
Beijing News Shell Finance: Tesla has previously adjusted the price of its models multiple times. What is the logic behind the price adjustment, and will it continue to lower prices in the long run? Can we still wait for Tesla with a price below 200000 yuan?
Tao Lin: Tesla always adheres to the direct sales model, with open and transparent prices. Tesla's vehicle prices may vary depending on changes in raw materials, manufacturing, and transportation costs.
It can be understood that as long as we can optimize the supply chain and improve efficiency, the cost reduction we bring will be transferred to consumers, and the principle has not changed.
Beijing News Shell Finance: Nowadays, the development of new energy vehicles and smart cars is constantly accelerating. What stage do you think new energy vehicles have entered so far?
Tao Lin: With the increasing global attention to environmental issues, many countries have introduced policies to ban the sale of fuel vehicles. Currently, global sales of new energy vehicles are dominated by China, Europe, and the United States. Among them, China, as the world's largest producer and consumer of new energy vehicles, has played an immeasurable role in promoting the development of new energy vehicles and has also led the world.
The Chinese new energy vehicle market experienced a concentrated launch of new models from 2020 to 2021, driving sales to repeatedly exceed expectations. China is transitioning from model driven to cognitive driven. A more relaxed and simple driving experience, more economical driving costs, richer driving scenarios, and greener and environmentally friendly travel methods are the advantages of unrestricted travel for new energy vehicles in some cities.
Electric vehicles are accelerating the trend of "fuel to electricity" by surpassing gasoline vehicles, affecting more consumers' car purchasing decisions. More people choose low-carbon and energy-saving travel and lifestyle options to help China achieve green development and the "dual carbon" goals.
Beijing News Shell Finance: In the future, what do you think the new energy vehicle industry will present and how will it evolve and develop?
Tao Lin: Technological innovation will become the key to driving and leading the sustainable development of the new energy vehicle industry. Market competition is becoming more intense, and enterprises with poor management and insufficient innovation will gradually be eliminated from the market.
New energy vehicles are inherently more suitable for applying intelligent systems than gasoline vehicles. With the development of high-tech such as intelligent driving and artificial intelligence, this trend will continue to strengthen in the future.
The rapid progress of artificial intelligence technology, seamlessly connecting people, cars, and life, will provide consumers with a brand new way of life and environment based on cars, but far beyond cars. Humanity will truly experience the significance of technology changing life.