Tesla pushed back plans to launch in South Africa this year

[Jan]

Tesla wanted to launch in South Africa in 2026

South Africa was at the top of the list of new markets where Tesla planned to launch its cars in 2026, a source close to the carmaker's plans has told MyBroadband.

However, the political tension and war of words between the United States and South Africa put a damper on those ambitions.

 

[falcon786]

Meh it's fine he can lose out...the Chinese and BMW/Volvo will give us decent EV's no problem.

I'm expecting more sales with the new historically high fuel prices kicking in tomorrow. I suppose we gotta thank Trump for making EVs "hot" again in SA.

The ICE plebs will be kissing EV owners asses.

 

[Itsa Trap]

Oh that's cute. More BYD please. And some money back on every sale as an incentive. But first, before all this, maybe let's focus on getting the power supply stable and self sufficient in SA. I know it's a long shot with ANC Mp's around, but still.

 

[hj007]

It's inevitable (EVs I mean, not Teslas)

 

[ToxicBunny]

Given whats available in SA from an EV standpoint these days, I would expect Tesla to crash and burn if they actually launched in SA.

 

[Johand]

I think the chances of BYD setting up *some* manufacturing in SA is much bigger than Tesla.

It won't be full manufacturing, probably just knocked-down kits or similar, but at least something.

I don't see Tesla having an easy time in our market competing against BYD, Volvo etc. Tesla's are nice and all but better value for money can be found elsewhere.

 

[Smiggles]

ANC taxes will never go away making EV's non viable. Viva ANC! Viva Mandela!

 

[gregmcc]

Meh, no one wants a Tesla anymore.

 

[Quicks]

We have enough overpriced junk in SA, no need to add more to it.

 

[Johand]

ANC taxes will never go away making EV's non viable. Viva ANC! Viva Mandela!

What? Lots of countries, if not most have tarrifs of some kind on vehicles. So how does this make it a ANC tax? Not rooting for them, but let's be honest with ourselves OK?

 

[FiestaST]

R

Thread 'Tesla and South Africa... How do we make it happen?'

Mar 23, 2024

With all the guys going solar and having spare power, the fact that vehicle to grid would be great to addition to load shedding and full self driving getting close to 'done' I, at least, would really like to get a Tesla! But there are no dealerships here, right? So could import but then how would you keep it maintained/fixed if there are faults/damage.

Looking for experts in how to MAKE it happen?

I'm sure existing dealerships etc. resist, but Chinese models have managed to break in. What would need to be done to make a manufacturer sell in SA?


Ps: yes I know they would be expensive...

• richjdavies
• Replies: 203
• Forum: Motoring and Transportation: Cars, Bikes and Plane

 

[Roo!]

What? Lots of countries, if not most have tarrifs of some kind on vehicles. So how does this make it a ANC tax? Not rooting for them, but let's be honest with ourselves OK?

Sure but most countries also have incentives, in the form of tax breaks, when buying an EV. Here we pay more on EVs than most countries due to this fact.

 

[neoprema]

Was speaking to some people from Europe visiting, they were like Tesla is getting nailed in their countries as soon as BYD is allowed to sell. Volvo and the Germans are taking market share, but Tesla was still high ranked but the moment BYD opened up they said its just skewed in their favor one-time.

I think Tesla needs to re-invent itself a bit more, and distance itself from the political-links Elon is associating it with .

That said, even if Tesla only owns EV in the US market that's still a billion-$ market anyway...

 

[konfab]

No real point in a Tesla in South Africa because you are missing out on the best feature, which is the self-driving capability.

 

[konfab]

Was speaking to some people from Europe visiting, they were like Tesla is getting nailed in their countries as soon as BYD is allowed to sell. Volvo and the Germans are taking market share, but Tesla was still high ranked but the moment BYD opened up they said its just skewed in their favor one-time.

I think Tesla needs to re-invent itself a bit more, and distance itself from the political-links Elon is associating it with .

That said, even if Tesla only owns EV in the US market that's still a billion-$ market anyway...

European countries are blocking the best feature of Tesla, which is their self driving tech.

 

[ToxicBunny]

Was speaking to some people from Europe visiting, they were like Tesla is getting nailed in their countries as soon as BYD is allowed to sell. Volvo and the Germans are taking market share, but Tesla was still high ranked but the moment BYD opened up they said its just skewed in their favor one-time.

I think Tesla needs to re-invent itself a bit more, and distance itself from the political-links Elon is associating it with .

That said, even if Tesla only owns EV in the US market that's still a billion-$ market anyway...

Tesla actually needs to release new models with new features/tech to compete with companies like BYD and such, and they need to be priced competitively as well which is unlikely unfortunately.

 

[Zellephant]

European countries are blocking the best feature of Tesla, which is their self driving tech.

I thought Tesla’s big differentiator was performance. No one is going to by an M4 for its self driving tech (if it had any). So why would you buy a Tesla for its self driving tech?

Further, for South African markets, how would self driving tech react to an active high jacking situation? Or a protest action.

No thanks, if I need to run someone over to save me and my families lives, the last thing I want is my car deciding against it.

 

[Johand]

Further, for South African markets, how would self driving tech react to an active high jacking situation? Or a protest action.

Hahaha. Imagine "You can shoot me, but I gave my car instructions to never be taken."

Maybe some aftermarket mods to turn your car into a revenge seeker if you do get shot.

 

[SauRoNZA]

Tesla actually needs to release new models with new features/tech to compete with companies like BYD and such, and they need to be priced competitively as well which is unlikely unfortunately.

Part of why they are finally bringing Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to Tesla because many people will actively avoid a Tesla because of the lack of those features.

 

[ToxicBunny]

Part of why they are finally bringing Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to Tesla because many people will actively avoid a Tesla because of the lack of those features.

100%..

Hell I was looking at a Chinese vehicle recently to replace one of my aging cars, and while the car is fabulous it doesn't have native Android Auto and that for me is a deal breaker really.