TLDR
- Tesla’s Shanghai gigafactory launched Q4 production ramp-up following 25% month-over-month sales surge in September
- September sales of 71,525 vehicles marked Tesla’s second-strongest monthly performance in China for 2025
- Tesla’s share of China’s battery-electric vehicle market expanded to 8.7% from previous months
- Shanghai plant manufactured 90,812 total vehicles in September, representing 9% monthly growth
- China sales from January to September totaled 432,704 units, accounting for over one-third of Q3 global deliveries
Tesla’s Shanghai manufacturing facility has initiated its fourth quarter production ramp-up. The move follows a strong sales rebound in China’s competitive electric vehicle market.
Vice president Tao Lin confirmed the production increase through a Weibo post on Monday. The Shanghai gigafactory represents Tesla’s largest global manufacturing operation.
The facility produces Model 3 and Model Y vehicles for domestic Chinese sales and international exports. In September, total factory output reached 90,812 vehicles.
That represents approximately 9% growth compared to August production figures. The plant shipped 19,287 units for export during the month.
September Sales Performance
Tesla sold 71,525 vehicles in China during September. This marked a 25% increase from August sales figures.
The performance made September the company’s second-best month in China for 2025. Only March posted higher sales numbers.
September’s results came during China’s “Golden September” car-buying season. This traditional peak period draws buyers back to showrooms after summer.
The sales jump ended a two-month decline for Tesla in the Chinese market. July and August had seen consecutive drops in deliveries.
Tesla began delivering its new six-seater vehicle in China during September. The launch timing aligned with the peak seasonal buying period.
Market Position Strengthens
Tesla captured 5.5% of China’s new energy vehicle sales in September. This represented growth from 5.2% in August.
The company’s battery-electric vehicle market share climbed to 8.7%. Tesla’s position improved as China’s overall auto market gained momentum.
New energy vehicle sales across China jumped 16% from August. Year-over-year growth reached 15% as manufacturers launched new models.
Trade-in subsidies drove increased buyer activity during the month. Consumers rushed to take advantage of incentives before some local governments suspended programs.
China’s broader automotive market showed acceleration during the traditional peak season. Dealer promotions and government incentives combined to boost sales.
2025 Sales Data
Tesla has sold 432,704 vehicles in China from January through September. This figure trails last year’s pace by roughly 6%.
Despite the year-over-year decline, China remains crucial for Tesla’s global operations. The market delivered more than one-third of the company’s worldwide Q3 sales.
The Shanghai factory’s production allocation shifted toward domestic sales in September. Export volumes came in lower than August despite running 20% ahead of last year.
Tesla shares gained 2.5% in premarket trading Monday after the China sales data release. Retail trader sentiment on Stocktwits registered as bearish with normal message volume.
The Shanghai facility enters Q4 with renewed production momentum and improved market positioning in China’s competitive EV landscape.
