Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk took to his social media platform X to comment on the launch of the new Model Y L midsize electric SUV in China.
According to Musk, the best chance of starting production of the new Tesla Model Y L (extra length and 6-seat interior) in the United States is at the end of next year (2026). However, he further pressed that this version of the Model Y might never come to North America.
The reason for not launching it for North America is the altered dimensions of the Model Y L. With the advent of self-driving robotaxis and Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD), Elon Musk sees the Model Y L an unfit for this market.
With self-driving cars and robotaxis going mainstream in America, Elon Musk thinks there won’t be a need for a larger Model Y L in the US and Canada.
Musk posted on X:
This variant of the Model Y doesn’t start production in the US until the end of next year.
Might not ever, given the advent of self-driving in America.
Musk’s reason for not bringing the Model Y L to the US/North America is both surprising and revealing. The pure purpose of launching this Model Y variant is to capture the Chinese/Asian market segment that travels with 2 or 3 generations.
These extended families like to travel together and an SUV that seats six people and still has space for some luggage satisfies their requirements. In the foreseeable future, this customer base in China and Asian countries is not going to be experiencing Tesla FSD or even need it — just the Autopilot safety features are good enough for these customers.
Interestingly, the regular Model Y Juniper is Tesla’s preferred choice for FSD (Supervised) testing. The tech & AI-based automaker is only using the new Model Y Juniper vehicles for Robotaxi service in Austin and the SF Bay Area.
In the same discussion thread, a large majority of Tesla owners, enthusiasts, and Elon Musk fans disagree with the company’s CEO. Potential Tesla customers with three kids or a group of friends travelling together would prefer a 6-seat configuration.
A 6-seat Model Y makes more sense because of its affordability, as the Model X SUV is way too expensive for the common American family.
The sales of the luxury segment Model S and Model X have declined significantly in the last few quarters. Tesla Model Y L can be a good replacement for the Model X for a customer base that’s not willing to pay upwards of $100K for a family car.
Tesla has ample time to decide whether to launch the new Model Y L in the US and Canada. If the data suggests that there is a sizable market in North America, Elon Musk might change his mind and decide to start production at a US factory.
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 CEO Elon Musk gives the expected timeline for Model Y L production start in the United States. He also says this vehicle might never be launched in North America.){kind=link}