Tesla Prices Like a Rubber Band? Hiked Again After Subsidy Decision

[Anchor]

Tesla Korea has raised the prices of its major vehicle models by up to 7 million won starting this month. This marks the second price hike this year, sparking controversy as the increase came immediately after the government confirmed its electric vehicle subsidy support.

Sim Useop reports.

[Reporter]

Tesla Korea abruptly raised the sales prices of its popular Model 3 and Model Y in Korea by 3 million to 7 million won, effective yesterday, July 1.

Among buyers, the frequent fluctuations in the price of the same vehicle have led to the saying that "Tesla prices are like market prices."

[Na Yoon-seok/Automotive Columnist: It is a self-deprecating remark, but there needs to be price stability for people to feel comfortable making a purchase. From a consumer's perspective, they might worry, 'Did I end up paying too much for this?']

This price hike took place immediately after the government decided on June 30 to maintain electric vehicle purchase subsidies for 27 companies, including Tesla Korea.

The decision was based on an evaluation of their contribution to the domestic electric vehicle industry ecosystem, and Tesla vehicles will continue to be eligible for subsidies exceeding 10 million won in some regions during the second half of the year.

While critics argue that the company is exploiting the purpose of the electric vehicle subsidy system, Tesla explained that the hikes were due to exchange rate fluctuations and rising raw material costs.

However, experts pointed out that the company kept the prices of its best-selling models frozen while aggressively raising prices for products that were already only eligible for half the subsidy.

[Kim Pil-soo/Professor of Automotive Engineering at Daelim University: It is ultimately taxpayers' money, money coming out of the consumers' pockets. By raising prices while simultaneously boosting sales, they are placing a double burden on consumers. It is becoming a significant issue that Tesla is a company with almost no social contribution.]

Tesla Korea also raised the prices of its major models by up to 5 million won last April, a move that was analyzed at the time as a preemptive strategy to capitalize on the rising demand for electric vehicles amid high oil prices.

Reported by Sim Useop | Video by Won Hyeong-hee | Graphics by Han Song-yeon | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.