Tesla brings show and tell – but no sell

TESLA has brought a handful of production versions of its much-hyped Model 3 to Australia. But customers who put down $1500 more than two years ago still have at least a year to wait before their cars arrive.

There is still no firm date for local deliveries.

The company’s local website says right-hand drive production will start in the next year, with deliveries to start in the next 12–18 months.

But prospective owners still queued for a look at the car (pictured) in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Production woes have strangled supply, causing the brand to miss multiple production targets, but it built its long-held goal of 5000 Model 3s in one week in June and has reportedly maintained that since.

The left-hand drive model that is on display in Australia is meant to drum up local support for the coming vehicle and keep the faith with customers who have deposits on the car.

The Model 3 was originally promoted as the affordable Tesla – boss Elon Musk said prices would start a $US35,000, translating t about $60,000 in Australia af ter taxes and import duties ar applied.

But now the cheapest Mode 3 – the one on display – cost $66,610 in local currency be fore taxes and import dutie are applied, which would push the price tag closer to $80,00 drive-away.