Tesla offers steep discounts on new Model Y in an attempt to right the ship
Tesla has had a rough year. But there’s hope for the wounded electric car marque. Most notably, Tesla updated its best-seller, the Model Y, inside and out. However, the brand is taking no chances on its No. 1 sales weapon. Rather than relying on the appeal of the facelifted second-generation Model Y, Tesla is offering the EV SUV with cost-cutting discounts and financing incentives.
Just as the new Tesla Model Y refresh rolls off the line, the EV brand is offering discounts and financing incentives
In an X post, Tesla announced incentives and discounts on the new, updated Tesla Model Y. For starters, the post tells would-be buyers and shoppers that the new Model Y Long Range AWD is available at 1.99% APR. While that’s nearly 4% less than some of the brand’s posher offerings, it’s only available with a 72-month payment term.
The post included a short video listing the selling points of the new “Juniper” Model Y. It starts by saying, “This is what you get for $499/month.” Then it goes into listing mode. “Redesigned interior, better range, new wheels, new brakes, retuned suspension, upgraded materials,” and other features.
However, not everything Tesla North America lists is a feature. Access to “65,000 superchargers” and “low maintenance” might sound good in an advert. But it’s not exactly something you’ll find on an options list.
Now, the $48,990 Model Y Long Range AWD shouldn’t need much to continue its significant command over the EV market. After all, Tesla sales estimates suggest that car shoppers bought more than twice as many Model Ys as they did its smaller relative, the Model 3. An estimated 405,900 Model Ys in 2024 not only made the SUV the best-selling EV on the market, but it was also quite possibly the fourth best-selling vehicle on the market.
Today, however, the Model Y plays a different tune. Updating the Model Y left some of the brand’s production efforts stationary. That, paired with CEO Elon Musk’s public-facing antics, has left the brand with something of a black eye. As a result, Tesla’s sales are down globally. As a result, what was supposed to be a tremendous year for the Model Y is shaping up to be its worst year ever.
