Tesla's 'Model 3' standard model, priced at approximately 3.9 million yen, is now available for online orders only, with fully automated driving also available.



On February 28, 2019, electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla announced it would begin accepting orders for the standard model of

its Model 3 , priced at $35,000 (approximately 3.9 million yen). It has also been reported that a feature that will be available in the future when 'fully self-driving' becomes available, a feature that had been temporarily suspended due to criticism, has been reinstated as an option. However, Tesla's finances appear to be in a difficult position, and sales are limited to online sales and not in physical stores.

$35,000 Tesla Model 3 now available to order | Tesla Japan
https://www.tesla.com/jp/blog/35000-tesla-model-3-available-now/

Tesla's controversial 'full self-driving' version of Autopilot is back - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/28/18245370/tesla-autopilot-full-self-driving-musk-2019

Tesla CEO Elon Musk held a press conference on February 28th and announced that the standard Model 3 will be available for online orders only. He also said that in the second half of 2019, Tesla owners will be able to activate Autopilot in complex urban environments.



The standard Model 3 was announced on March 31, 2016 , but its release was repeatedly delayed until orders finally began in February 2019. Its prices are between $35,000 and $37,000, making it a fairly affordable option in Tesla's lineup. The cheapest model, at $35,000, has a range of 220 miles, a top speed of 130 miles per hour, and can travel 30 miles on a one-hour charge from a household outlet.




Of course, the price of about 3.9 million yen is the minimum price, and the price increases as various options are added. For example, the optional ' Autopilot ' uses surround cameras and ultrasonic sensors attached to the vehicle to recognize surrounding people, cars, and obstacles and assist driving.

Autopilot is an option that can be used on roads with little variation, such as highways, and costs an additional $3,000 (approximately ¥330,000) if purchased before delivery, or $4,000 (approximately ¥450,000) if purchased after delivery. Additionally, a fully autonomous Autopilot option, which increases the number of surround cameras and enables autonomous driving even in complex city streets in the future, is also available as an option. Adding this option will cost an additional $5,000 (approximately ¥560,000) if purchased before delivery, or $7,000 (approximately ¥780,000) if purchased after delivery.



Tesla's proprietary Autopilot system was launched with much fanfare, but many doubts were raised about its safety, and the fully self-driving Autopilot system was removed as an option in October 2018. However, the latest version of Autopilot's control software released in November 2018 is said to have resolved the issue , and it is believed to have been reinstated with the announcement of the lower-cost Model 3.

Meanwhile, the standard Model 3 is only available for order online, not at Tesla physical stores. Orders can be placed online or by phone, and customers can return it for a full refund within seven days of purchase or within 1,000 miles (approximately 1,600 km). Tesla states, 'This means that if you buy a Tesla and drive it with friends for a few hundred miles over the weekend, you can still return it. Of course, because Tesla has such high customer satisfaction, we expect you to keep driving your Tesla after purchasing it.'

Tesla says that the shift to online sales has enabled it to lower car prices by an average of 6%, but some point out that the reason why Tesla's popular Model 3 was sold exclusively online is due to its difficult economic situation. One of the major reasons why Tesla is being forced to implement austerity measures to the point of closing physical stores and laying off employees is that it has not been able to establish a production system for the Model 3 and has been hit by a series of problems.

Tesla announces worst quarterly results ever amid Model 3 production problems - GIGAZINE



During a press conference, Musk said the company plans to close most of its brick-and-mortar stores and lay off some retail employees during the first half of 2019, leaving only a 'small number of stores in high-traffic areas' to serve as showcases and information centers. 'This is a very difficult decision, but we believe it is the right one for the future,' he said.

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