Elon Musk Hails China, Says Tesla Investments Will Continue

Tesla CEO Elon Musk gave lavish praise to China during an interview at the World Internet Conference. He also said that Tesla’s commitment to the country remains strong.

The electric vehicle automaker will continue expanding its business investments in the world’s largest consumer market. 

RELATED: Elon Musk Unveils Tesla Bot Designed For Boring Work

Chinese Automakers Are Most Competitive In the World

Organizers at the World Internet Conference, which the Cyberspace Administration of China hosted, showed a video of Elon Musk’s interview. His comments came from a pre-recorded question and answer stream during the event. This marks the Tesla CEO’s second time providing a positive review of the host country. 

Two weeks ago during the World New Energy Vehicle Congress also in China, Musk was similarly effusive in praising China. Back then, he said that the communist country is a “global leader in digitalization.” For the World Internet Conference, he referred to Chinese EV manufacturers as “the most competitive in the world.” 

Elon Musk and Tesla Cozies Up to China

In his latest comments, Elon Musk hailed China’s willingness to spend efforts in improving digital technologies. “My frank observation is that China spends a lot of resources and efforts applying the latest digital technologies in different industries, including the automobile industry, making China a global leader in digitalization,” he remarked. As a result, Tesla will support China’s drive and continue expanding its investment and R&D efforts in China.”

After a slew of negative media feedback, Tesla sure needs good press from its CEO. The EV company recently faced Chinese regulators over privacy issues.

In addition, a number of recalls didn’t go well with government authorities. As a result, Beijing reportedly restricted or banned state and military personnel from using Tesla’s electric vehicles.

Tesla Chinese Data Remains in China

This is why Elon Musk tried to reassure China that data privacy remains paramount. Mindful of China’s recent online purge, he specified what types of data remain stored locally. “At Tesla, we are glad to see a number of laws and regulations that have been released to strengthen data management,” he explained. 

In addition, Elon Musk said that Tesla set up a data center in China to localize all data generated from our business here. This includes information on production, sales, service and charging”.

Musk also added that all personal information on Chinese customers remains in China with no plans for transfer overseas. Only certain information will eventually make its way overseas. This includes communications or orders for a spare part that’s only available outside of China. 

Tesla Remains A Big Hit in China

China remains a major market among Tesla customers. This is why Tesla found it advantageous to put its production facilities in the country. It also found a cheap labor market and access to raw materials particularly inviting. In 2019, the EV company broke ground on a major Shanghai factory.

As a premium EV, Tesla also sold many units to brand-conscious affluent Chinese. It sold 44,264 locally-produced vehicles in August, including 31,379 for export. 

Watch the Tesla Intelligence UK video showing the new Elon Musk AI and Tesla interview:

 Loading ...

What do you think of Elon Musk’s efforts to cozy up to China? Do you agree with Tesla that this presents the next situation considering their large market presence in the country?

Tell us what you think about Tesla and China. Share your comments in the comments section below.