Savills assists the mainland expansion of green vehicle brand Tesla Motors

Key themes of environmental protection and sustainable development are interpreted best by Tesla Motors, a US-headquartered designer and manufacturer of premium electric vehicles. Advised by the Savills Retail team, Tesla now operates five stores in China, ushering in an era of green transportation to the mainland market.

Tesla has just started its journey, and Savills will continue its representation service as the retailer marches into all the other first- and second-tier cities in China.

Joey Chio, Senior Associate Director of Savills Shanghai Retail, says: “We are excited to be working with Tesla and assisting in their expansion throughout mainland China. Working with such a dynamic brand allows the Savills Tenant Representation team to remain an industry leader as we bring the innovative concept to key projects in the market. As we continue our strong relationship with the tech company, we look forward to a big 2016 with more deals in the pipeline”

Savills: Representative of international retailers in China

Savills boasts a powerful business platform, extensive track record and strong relationships with major developers that Tesla looks for. Over the past few years, Savills has helped a number of popular retailers to establish a presence in China, including Apple, Victoria Secret, Hollister, Georg Jensen, Cath Kidston, LuluLemon and New Balance. Its retailer representation services have won unparalleled prestige within the mainland retail market.

Siu Wing Chu, Deputy Managing Director of Shanghai and Head of China Retail, says: “Savills is committed to enhancing the profile and positioning of China’s retail market by introducing mega brands into the country. Our specialty team of elites are active in mature and emerging markets in China. As a localisation guide for international retailers, we are confident in helping Tesla explore new frontiers in China.”

Leveraging unique insights into the Chinese retail market, Savills undertook a detailed market survey and regional analysis before selecting Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Hangzhou as the first bases for Tesla’s expansion into China.

Savills also gave much thought to store design, incorporating the needs of Chinese consumers, Tesla’s branding strategy and its product features. The stores are designed to be as interactive as possible to display Tesla’s innovative technology, while Tesla’s signature test drives also provide a great opportunity for consumers to get to know more about their electric car brand.

Tesla: Pioneer in electric car industry

Tesla is committed to accelerating the adoption of sustainable transportation with the most innovative technologies.  As a pioneer in the electric car industry, Tesla has responded to the call for sustainable energy while alleviating the problem of gasoline dependency worldwide.

Tesla recognises charging points as the pre-eminent issue of its accelerated expansion. The firm has now established over 100 super charging stations in the Asia Pacific region. It has also built a supercharging network in China, second only to its US counterpart, consisting of 320 "super chargers" across 46 cities as well as more than 1,500 "destination chargers" in over 100 cities installed in hotels, restaurants and other local partners. This network has fulfilled the mission of the south-north connection between China's economic hub of Shenzhen and the northern industrial city of Harbin.

Tesla has adopted a new business model that combines direct and internet sales. In addition to online services of car customisation, Tesla also provides cutting-edge remote diagnosis, which saves car owners the trouble of visiting stores in cases of vehicle malfunction or system updates.

Albert Lau, Chief Executive Officer of Savills China, comments: “China’s retail property needs new dynamics at the crucial time of China’s ‘New Norm’. We feel it a great honour to be favoured and trusted by many international retailers seeking to make or enhance their presence in China. As a world-leading retail property adviser, we will continue our efforts in promoting the diversification and internationalisation of China’s retail property market by leveraging the Savills global network and resources.”