Tesla Faces Chinese Market Pressure as BYD Launches $4.20/day Leases; Cybertruck Price Cuts
Tesla posted its first annual sales decline in China for 2025 before rebounding to 97,171 wholesale units in December, while rival BYD introduced 0% three-year loans and $4.20/day leases. Concurrently, Tesla cut Cybertruck pricing to $59,990 for a 10-day promotion, shifting delivery estimates to September–October 2026.
1. Chinese Market Challenge
Tesla recorded its first annual China sales decline in 2025, with January volume down 30% year-over-year and overall wholesale sales recovering to 97,171 units in December. BYD overtook Tesla as the world’s top EV seller and countered with 0% three-year financing and seven-year loans pricing some models at $4.20 per day through March 31.
2. Cybertruck 10-Day Price Promotion
Tesla slashed the all-wheel-drive Cybertruck base price to $59,990 for a limited 10-day window ending Feb. 28. Elon Musk indicated post-deadline pricing will hinge on demand levels, while the current offer excludes select premium features.
3. Demand and Production Implications
Early data suggest robust uptake for the $60K Cybertruck, with delivery estimates moving from June to September/October 2026. After selling 20,237 units in 2025—a 48% drop—Tesla must reassess Cybertruck output targets against prior 250,000-unit ambitions and ongoing Optimus Bot production shifts.