Tesla’s Gigafactory in Shanghai marked a significant production milestone in December, recording wholesale shipments of over 94,000 Made-in-China (MIC) Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles. This figure represents a remarkable 69% increase compared to the same period the previous year, making it the highest monthly result for 2023, with only November 2022 surpassing it. The uptick in production follows the introduction of the upgraded Model 3 (code name Highland) and minor updates to the Tesla Model Y in China. Despite a few months of stagnation or year-over-year declines, the Shanghai plant’s robust performance positions it as Tesla’s largest electric vehicle factory by volume. The China Passenger Car Association’s (CPCA) initial data emphasizes wholesale shipments, providing a comprehensive view of Tesla’s manufacturing output. As the retail sales and export data become available, a clearer picture of Tesla’s standing in the Chinese market will emerge. For the fourth quarter of 2023, Tesla achieved its best-ever wholesale shipments, reaching 248,686 units—an impressive 9% year-over-year increase. Moreover, the Shanghai factory contributed significantly to Tesla’s global electric car deliveries, accounting for over half of the total in both Q4 2023 (484,507) and the entire year (1,808,581). The CPCA’s comprehensive data for 2023 reveals that Tesla’s MIC Model 3 and Model Y achieved a total wholesale sales figure of 947,742 units, marking a 33% increase compared to the previous year. The positive growth trajectory and production output affirm the continued strength of Tesla’s presence in the Chinese electric vehicle market.
