325000 bookings in a week for Tesla Model 3 hatchback

Production of the sedan is slated to commence in 2017.The Tesla Model 3 electric sedan managed to garner over 325,000 bookings from all over the world in a week which translates into a massive USD 14 billion in implied future sales. This unprecedented response, the company claims, has made the Model 3 the most successful product launch ever!

The fact that Tesla received so many reservations without any aggressive marketing or awareness campaign indicates the strong brand value it commands. It also signals that a significant proportion of the global car buying population is ready to embrace electric cars.

If things go as per Tesla’s plan, first customer deliveries of the Model 3 would commence in 2017. RHD markets like India are expected to receive the car sometime in mid-2018 (few of those reservations are believed to be made by Indian customers).

Not much about Tesla’s most affordable car is known as of now but the company claims a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds and a range of around 215 mph (346 km). Prices will start from USD 35,000 (around INR 23.30 lakhs).

As the 3 lakh odd customers wait eagerly for their sedan’s to arrive, popular rendering artist Theophilus Chin has come up with interesting set renderings of the Tesla Model 3 hatchback. As you can see, a design language can be made to adopt the hatchback body style without losing its character.

A Tesla Model 3 hatchback could just become as popular as the sedan but the question remains – Will Tesla consider it?

This article has first appeared in Rushlane.com