NEW DELHI: Tesla CEO Elon Musk arrived in China on Sunday on a surprise visit to the country, which is also the second biggest market of the electric vehicle giant, the Chinese state broadcaster reported. This is his second visit to Beijing within a year.
This also comes days after he postponed his visit to India citing “Tesla obligations”. He was scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and announce plans to enter the Indian market.
According to China broadcaster, Musk’s visit was at the invitation of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, where he engaged in discussions with Ren Hongbin, the council’s head, to explore further collaboration opportunities and other pertinent topics.
Tesla’s presence in China has significantly expanded in recent years, with the company establishing a robust foothold in the country’s rapidly growing electric vehicle sector. Despite Musk’s controversial reputation in the West, Tesla’s electric vehicles have gained popularity among China’s middle-class urban demographic.
Musk’s visit coincides with a heated price war among industry players striving to gain an edge in the fiercely competitive EV market. This dynamic environment is further highlighted by the ongoing Beijing auto show, where automotive innovations and market strategies are showcased.
Last year, China’s domestic automotive giant BYD surpassed Tesla as the world’s leading seller of electric vehicles during the fourth quarter. While Tesla regained its top position in the first quarter of this year, BYD continues to dominate the Chinese market, emphasizing the significance of local competition amidst global industry players.
Tesla has yet to provide official confirmation or details regarding Musk’s visit to China, despite earlier requests for comment from international media outlets.
(With inputs from agencies)
This also comes days after he postponed his visit to India citing “Tesla obligations”. He was scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and announce plans to enter the Indian market.
According to China broadcaster, Musk’s visit was at the invitation of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, where he engaged in discussions with Ren Hongbin, the council’s head, to explore further collaboration opportunities and other pertinent topics.
Tesla’s presence in China has significantly expanded in recent years, with the company establishing a robust foothold in the country’s rapidly growing electric vehicle sector. Despite Musk’s controversial reputation in the West, Tesla’s electric vehicles have gained popularity among China’s middle-class urban demographic.
Musk’s visit coincides with a heated price war among industry players striving to gain an edge in the fiercely competitive EV market. This dynamic environment is further highlighted by the ongoing Beijing auto show, where automotive innovations and market strategies are showcased.
Last year, China’s domestic automotive giant BYD surpassed Tesla as the world’s leading seller of electric vehicles during the fourth quarter. While Tesla regained its top position in the first quarter of this year, BYD continues to dominate the Chinese market, emphasizing the significance of local competition amidst global industry players.
Tesla has yet to provide official confirmation or details regarding Musk’s visit to China, despite earlier requests for comment from international media outlets.
(With inputs from agencies)
