Tesla says exploring China car plant with Shanghai government

A Tesla Model X car is pictured at a Tesla electric car dealership in Sydney, Australia, May 31, 2017. REUTERS/Jason Reed

BEIJING: Tesla Inc is exploring the possibility of establishing a Chinese manufacturing plant with the Shanghai municipal government, the US electric carmaker said on Thursday in a statement.

Tesla has said it wants to build electric cars in China to avoid a 25% tariff on imported vehicles.

In the statement, it said, ”While we expect most of our production to remain in the US, we need to establish local factories to ensure affordability for the markets they serve.” 

Tesla said it expects to ”more clearly define” its China production plans by year end. - Reuters