As Elon Musk and Co. began their foray into the crucial Chinese market this week, a local automaker is making bold claims that his new electric car will eventually outperform the Tesla Model S in the world’s most populated country.
Beijing Automotive Group chairman Xu Heyi told reporters at the Boao Forum for Asia that his company is teaming up with an American company to produce a new electric car that should begin retailing at the end of 2016.
“The new model will outperform Tesla’s Model S,” Xu said, adding that Tesla’s boldness in popularizing electric cars deserves praise even though the green automaker has produced nothing really new technologically.
Beijing Automotive Group purchased 25.02 percent of Atieva in February 2014. The U.S.-based energy company provides the core system to major car dealers like Volt, Audi, and yes, Tesla.
Xu’s flashy statements about Tesla included outright slams on Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Elon Musk won’t become Steve Jobs for sure,” Xu said.
Tesla entered the Chinese marketplace on Nov. 4, 2013, opening a store in Beijing’s pricey Parkview Green Mall. Tesla hopes China will unearth about a third of its overall 2014 global market share.
Musk himself is en route to China this week to make waves in the region. Only time will tell if he matches Steve Jobs’ success there and everywhere!
Source: Xinhua
