Tesla has confirmed work to bring the brand to New Zealand is officially underway — with a ‘store’ and service centre due to open in the second quarter of 2017 according to Trade Me Motors,
But the brand will go on sale here in a matter of months — with orders being taken from November, and a spokesperson confirming to Trade Me Motors that a pop-up store will likely appear this year for test drives.
Elon Musk had indicated in tweets earlier this year the brand was to enter the NZ market with sales and a dealership.
“In response to overwhelming demand for Model 3 and enthusiasm from owners who have imported their Tesla’s into the country, Tesla has confirmed New Zealand as a future site for a Tesla Store and Service Center along with sites for Superchargers, set to open as early as the second quarter of 2017.,” the company said in a statement issued this afternoon.
It says both the Model S and Model X will be on display. Powerwall and Powerpack products will also be on sale.
Unlike traditional automotive dealerships, Tesla stores invite customers to learn about electric driving with enticing visuals, interactive displays, and a design studio where customers can create their own Tesla.
The company has begun recruitment this week, with training this year at other Tesla locations — the nearest being Sydney.
We have asked Tesla for more information and will publish it as it comes to hand.