Tesla’s new car registrations climbed again in China last month to the highest since March despite a slowdown in the wider auto market. Registrations of Tesla vehicles rose to 6,643 in December, according to state-backed China Automotive Information Net, which gathers industry data based on insurance purchases. The December figure took total Tesla registrations in the world’s biggest EV market to 42,715 for the year, compared with 16,360 in 2018. The increase came during a slowdown in China’s overall car sales, which dropped for a second straight year, according to the China Passenger Car Association. Tesla said in October it would stop selling its most basic imported Model 3 in China, which may have prompted buyers who wanted a US-made version to place orders, boosting registrations later in the year.

Source: The Irish Times January 17, 2020 06:22 UTC