Tesla has officially set its wheels in motion to deliver the Model S in Japan, and the evidence is a captivating photo shared by one of the automaker's dedicated accounts.
In a post that emerged on a Saturday night, Tesla Japan announced on X that the Model S was finally embarking on its delivery journey in the Land of the Rising Sun. Accompanying this exciting revelation was a snapshot capturing the essence of a delivery day event for this remarkable vehicle. This milestone comes on the heels of Tesla's earlier announcement outlining its plans to introduce both the Model S and Model X to Japan, albeit with a notable twist—these vehicles would be exclusively available in left-hand drive (LHD) configurations, a somewhat unconventional choice in a predominantly right-hand drive (RHD) country like Japan.
Model Sいよいよ納車スタート✨
— Tesla Japan (@teslajapan) September 24, 2023
詳しく見るhttps://t.co/xUI1QNMVnk pic.twitter.com/p7ZQJUVypm
Curious onlookers could already spot the Model S and Model X on Tesla's order configurator in Japan a few months ago. While Japan's roads predominantly accommodate RHD vehicles, they do permit LHD counterparts, and Tesla has ingeniously navigated this terrain. The Japanese Model S order configurator clarifies Tesla's approach: "In order to sell the Model S around the world, Tesla will ship a left-hand drive model to Japan. Only the left-hand drive version is available for purchase at the design studio. There are no plans to produce a right-hand drive model."
Adding further allure to the purchase of these premium electric vehicles, Tesla has a generous offering for buyers in Japan. Those acquiring the Model S or Model X will enjoy three years of complimentary and unrestricted Supercharging—a compelling proposition for those embracing the electric revolution.
As discussions unfold, some observant users reflect on the historical significance of right-hand drive luxury vehicles as status symbols in Japan. While the contemporary perspective on this matter may vary, there's speculation that the absence of LHD versions could pose challenges for Tesla in terms of Model S and Model X sales due to practical considerations.
For those enticed by the allure of Tesla's offerings in Japan, the entry-level Model S starts at ¥12,969,000 ($87,355), while the high-performance Model S Plaid is priced at ¥15,969,000 ($107,562). On the SUV front, the Tesla Model X is available in its base variant for ¥14,469,000 ($97,459), with the exhilarating Model X Plaid currently retailing at ¥16,669,000 ($112,277). Tesla's arrival in Japan promises to redefine the automotive landscape, with electric luxury taking the center stage in a unique and exciting way.
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