The company began delivering the Model S in China on April 21, limiting initial availability to Beijing and Shanghai. Many buyers in other regions were not happy to be forced to wait until June to receive their orders.
CEO Elon Musk claimed that the regional delays were necessary to establish charging infrastructure and service centers in other areas. At the delivery event in Beijing, he met with a group of disgruntled buyers — led by Internet commerce entrepreneur Yu Xinquan — and claimed to have “resolved the issue.”
Living well outside the initial launch areas, Yu reportedly took delivery of his Model S this week and immediately shattered the windshield with a wrench to escalate his protest.
He claims Tesla promised the vehicle would arrive in six weeks, during which time the company would provide free installation of charging hardware at his home, according to a Wall Street Journal interview. Tesla allegedly reported the vehicle delayed again in customs, and suggested he take a floor model instead.
“The company hasn’t delivered,” he said. “Tesla’s arrogance made me angry.”
The vandalism protest reportedly gained significant attention in the country, which Tesla views as vital to its future growth. Chinese buyers currently pay a 50-percent premium over US prices, however the company plans to build a local factory to eliminate import duties and shipping costs.
Leave a Reply