Tesla, the American electric vehicle powerhouse, faces a significant hurdle with the recall of over 1.6 million cars across China. This Tesla recall, as per China’s market regulator, marks a pivotal moment for the firm, coinciding with its slip from the top spot in EV sales, now claimed by China’s BYD.
The Core Issue: Software Malfunctions
Prompting this massive recall are defects discovered in assisted driving functions and door-locking systems. Tesla’s strategy to rectify these glitches involves remote over-the-air (OTA) updates. The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) declared, “Starting from now, a total of 1,610,105 imported Model S, Model X, and Model 3, and domestic Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles with production dates between August 26, 2014, and December 20, 2023, will be recalled.”
Safety Takes Center Stage
The SAMR expressed serious concerns, particularly about the automatic assisted steering function. The agency pointed out, “For vehicles within the scope of this recall, when the automatic assisted steering function is turned on, the driver may misuse the level two combined assisted driving function, increasing the risk of vehicle collision and posing a safety hazard.” Further, 7,538 imported models produced between October 26, 2022, and November 16, 2023, have been flagged for door unlock control issues.
Tesla’s Recall History
This isn’t Tesla’s first large-scale recall. 2022 witnessed nearly 128,000 Chinese cars recalled due to a defect in the rear motor inverter. Furthermore, the recent past saw over two million vehicles across the U.S. and Canada recalled, addressing autopilot software hazards.
Spotlight on Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory
Tesla’s Shanghai gigafactory, a critical overseas production hub, reported delivering 947,000 vehicles in 2023. Xinhua, the state-run news agency, highlighted these figures. With China’s aggressive push towards electric and hybrid vehicles, aiming for clean energy dominance in the auto sector by 2035, Tesla’s performance and reliability are under scrutiny.
Elon Musk’s Commitment to China
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, during his recent visit to China, praised the country’s dynamism and potential. Musk emphasized Tesla’s commitment to deepening ties with China, as per a statement from Beijing.
Tesla’s Road Ahead
This recall poses not just a technical challenge for Tesla but also a strategic one in the fiercely competitive EV market. With BYD’s ascent as a global leader, Tesla’s response to these issues will be critical for its market position, both in China and on the world stage.
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