Musk Could Prove China’s Ace in Dealing With Trump
Tesla wants approval for its full self driving software, China wants fewer tariffs
Donald Trump’s election could put Tesla CEO Elon Musk in a tough spot, caught between his support for the president-elect and Trump’s tough stance toward China, Tesla’s second-biggest market. But Musk could instead thrive by proving a valuable bridge between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Here’s why: Tesla’s electric vehicle sales in China have slipped over the past year even as EVs and plug-in hybrids have soared to more than half of new car sales in the country. Tesla’s problem: Its models are outdated and outstripped by zippy, tech-filled competition from Chinese rivals like Byd and Nio.