Tesla CEO Elon Musk Denies Rumors of Model Y Refresh This Year

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ICARO Media Group
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09/06/2024 18h44

In a recent statement, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Inc., confirmed that the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer will not be releasing a refreshed version of its popular Model Y crossover this year. Musk made this announcement on X, the social media platform he owns, debunking the rumors that had been circulating.

Responding to a user's query about the rumored Model Y refresh, Musk replied, "No Model Y 'refresh' is coming out this year." He went on to emphasize that Tesla continuously enhances its vehicles, implying that even a car that is six months newer will offer some improvements.

To further emphasize his point, Musk's Weibo account, the Chinese equivalent of X, posted a similar message aimed at potential car buyers, urging them not to wait for a Model Y refresh. This message indicates Tesla's focus on providing customers with ongoing improvements rather than holding out for major updates.

Tesla currently offers a range of models, including the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck. While the Model 3 and Model Y are locally produced in China, the other Tesla models are not.

Interestingly, the sales launch of the updated Model 3, also known as the Model 3 Highland, took place in China on October 19, 2023. This marked a significant update to the EV model that was originally launched in 2017.

It is worth noting that Reuters reported on March 1 last year that Tesla was preparing production modifications for the Model Y, with production expected to begin in October 2024. The updates, referred to as Project Juniper, reportedly involve both the exterior and interior of the SUV.

According to sources familiar with the matter cited in the report, Tesla had already sought quotes from suppliers for exterior and interior components for the Juniper version of the Model Y, set to go into production in 2024.

While the Model Y remains one of the best-selling models globally, it has recently experienced relatively soft demand in China. Tesla's Shanghai plant plans to cut Model Y production by at least 20 percent between March and June, as reported by Reuters on May 24.

With Tesla's CEO officially debunking the rumors of a Model Y refresh this year, potential buyers have been advised not to delay their purchase. Musk's assurance that Tesla vehicles are continuously improving suggests that even without a major refresh, newer models will offer incremental enhancements for customers.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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