Tesla wants to combat its sales decline in recent months with its more affordable model. (Picture Tesla)
Keystone
Tesla also wants to combat its recent sales declines in Switzerland with a cheaper, slimmed-down vehicle.
The new “standard” version of the Model Y compact SUV will be sold from 39,990 francs. The next higher model variant is now “Premium” with a price starting at 49,990 francs.
Originally, Musk had held out the prospect of a cheaper vehicle priced from 25,000 US dollars (around 20,100 francs). However, last year he decided not to develop a completely new, cheaper model with an innovative production process, but to sell a slimmed-down version of existing cars. The new production system, on the other hand, is to be used in the planned specialized robotaxi without steering wheel and pedals.
Tesla has been struggling with falling sales for months, which have been particularly severe in Europe. New registrations of the Model Y in Switzerland fell by over a third to 3,363 vehicles in the first nine months of this year. The reasons for this include increased competition and the political activities of company boss Elon Musk, who is known for his right-wing views.
First place in Switzerland
With Model Y sales, Tesla ranks first in the Swiss electric car market with a market share of 9.5 percent, well ahead of Skoda and Audi. In the US home market, the expiry of electric car subsidies at the end of the month, driven by President Donald Trump, boosted sales.
The “standard” version of the Model Y with rear-wheel drive has a slightly shorter range: 534 kilometers instead of 622 kilometers for the “premium” version. It also has fewer speakers than the “Premium” version, no display in the rear row of seats, no adaptive high beam and a simpler front end design. The Model Y is built for Europe in Grünheide near Berlin.