The move sparked anger among reservation holders, who can now get a refund or choose the Model 3 or Model Y.
June 1, 2023 at 5:24 p.m. ET
Tesla has quietly discontinued the right-hand drive (RHD) Model S sedan and Model X SUV in Australia and New Zealand. A look at their regional websites reveals a simple notice at the top stating that the models cannot be ordered and that the specifications shown are US values.
The move comes in the wake of Tesla’s decision to stop making RHD versions of the Model X and Model Y, reportedly due to mechanical and logistical hurdles.
The company is implementing similar measures in other RHD markets such as Hong Kong and Singapore. Tesla has offered reserve holders in Australia a full refund or the option to buy the smaller Model 3 or Model Y with a $2,000 (A$3,000) credit.
Several buyers have expressed their anger on social media, and it’s understandable because some of them have been waiting for their orders since 2020.
Here’s what Twitter user @BennyShoogs wrote after Tesla canceled his Model S Plaid reservation:
A bit sad. Cybertruck order canceled and now Model S Plaid. I’m still happy to have a RHD Model X already. It now appears to be a collector’s item. I would be very interested in anyone doing LHD to RHD conversions in Australia. I would be happy to import one from the US to do this.
The brand’s decision also affected other RHD markets, including the UK, Ireland, Thailand and Japan. However, these markets allow LHD cars, which is why the brand’s Japanese and British websites mention that the Model X and Model S are still available, albeit in LHD configuration.
In the UK, Tesla is offering reservation holders the option to purchase LHD versions of the Model S or Model X, switch to the RHD Model 3 or Model Y, or cancel their orders for a full refund. Following Tesla’s warning, some UK buyers pre-ordered the Mercedes EQS and Porsche Taycan.
It is unclear at this time whether the RHD Model X and Model Y will be available again in these markets. Last month, the brand reportedly resumed talks with the Indian government to consider setting up a local manufacturing facility. India is a RHD market.
Do you think Tesla will resume production of its flagship RHD models? Or are they resigned to the history books? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
