The highly-anticipated Tesla Model Y facelift, codenamed ‘Project Juniper’, could be making its debut in less than nine months, with the American carmaker now reportedly conducting final preparation work in China for the SUV model. Mass production for the facelifted Tesla Model Y may start as early as mid-2024, according to a report by Bloomberg.
The first batch of the upcoming Tesla Model Y ‘Juniper’ is said to be produced at the “second phase” of Tesla’s facility in Shanghai. However, production will be suspended for around a week during the New Year holiday for a partial upgrade to the production facility. Therefore, more adjustments are needed to be made before the company progresses into mass production.
Like the recently updated Tesla Model 3, which made its launch in Malaysia just months ago, the upcoming Model Y ‘Juniper’ is expected to draw some influences from the Model 3 facelift.
Upgrades Tesla has given the Model 3 ‘Highland’ include redesigned front and rear fascias, a revamped interior design, new wheels, retuned suspension, and additional sound-deadening material, amongst other changes.
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Some controversial design changes have also been made with the facelifted Model 3. This includes the touch-based gear selector located on the central screen, along with the relocated indicator buttons on the steering wheel.
The current Tesla Model Y made its launch in Malaysia back in July this year, together with Tesla’s official arrival in Malaysia. With a starting price tag of RM199,000, the Model Y is offered with three variants, namely the entry-level RWD, the Long Range Dual Motor AWD, as well as the top-spec Performance.
Despite having made its launch in Malaysia months earlier than the Model 3 ‘Highland’, customer deliveries for the SUV have yet to begin for the Model Y just yet, which is set to take place in early 2024. Deliveries of the Model 3 ‘Highland’ in Malaysia on the other hand had begun in late November this year.
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