Photo: @Tonywootts, @GoodladAndrew via Twitter | collage
Tesla loves trolling its customers, as people who ordered a Tesla Model S or Model X in the UK found out. The left-hand-drive EVs now come with "The Reacher," a grabbing stick meant to help drivers collect parking tickets through the passenger window.
Tesla annoyed many customers when it decided not to offer the right-hand-drive Model S and Model X. The announcement in May came after many months (years, for those in Australia and New Zealand) of waiting, with no update given to reservation holders. After finally starting deliveries of the refreshed models outside the US, Tesla admitted that there would not be any plans to produce right-hand-drive versions of the two models.
Reservation holders in those markets were given a credit toward a new Model 3/Model Y order, as these models are still available in right-hand-drive variants. For Japan and the UK, Tesla also announced the intention to import left-hand vehicles for those that really wanted a Model S or Model X. Customers could take the credit or keep the reservation and buy a left-hand-drive car from the inventory. As unpopular as the Model S and Model X are now, judging by the sales numbers, many Brits chose to have them in LHD guise rather than not having them at all.
In a tong-in-cheek move, Tesla decided to deliver their cars with a strange accessory called "The Reacher." The name couldn't explain its purpose better, considering that the driver's seat is on the wrong side of the car. This makes reaching toll booths and parking dispensers a pain in the back. Tesla thinks The Reacher can help, as it allows grabbing the tickets through the passenger window. It's not like having the driver's seat where it's supposed to be, but it's close. At least you can pick up your order at a drive-thru without getting out of the car.
The way people reacted to The Reacher is even more interesting than the thing itself. Of course, people living in the US had problems understanding its role, while others considered it extremely funny. A "litter picker," as someone called it, while also noticing this is a cheap accessory anyone can buy from Amazon. Still, most considered it a slap in the face from Tesla after canceling the RHD Tesla Model S and Model X.
The Model S and Model X are the best-performing and most advanced electric vehicles on the planet. This explains why some people really want to own one, even if it has the steering wheel on the wrong side. Still, this cannot change the fact that the two luxury EVs don't sell quite well, even in the RHD markets. This was the main reason Tesla canceled the RHD models, as there was insufficient demand to justify them.
Reservation holders in those markets were given a credit toward a new Model 3/Model Y order, as these models are still available in right-hand-drive variants. For Japan and the UK, Tesla also announced the intention to import left-hand vehicles for those that really wanted a Model S or Model X. Customers could take the credit or keep the reservation and buy a left-hand-drive car from the inventory. As unpopular as the Model S and Model X are now, judging by the sales numbers, many Brits chose to have them in LHD guise rather than not having them at all.
In a tong-in-cheek move, Tesla decided to deliver their cars with a strange accessory called "The Reacher." The name couldn't explain its purpose better, considering that the driver's seat is on the wrong side of the car. This makes reaching toll booths and parking dispensers a pain in the back. Tesla thinks The Reacher can help, as it allows grabbing the tickets through the passenger window. It's not like having the driver's seat where it's supposed to be, but it's close. At least you can pick up your order at a drive-thru without getting out of the car.
The way people reacted to The Reacher is even more interesting than the thing itself. Of course, people living in the US had problems understanding its role, while others considered it extremely funny. A "litter picker," as someone called it, while also noticing this is a cheap accessory anyone can buy from Amazon. Still, most considered it a slap in the face from Tesla after canceling the RHD Tesla Model S and Model X.
The Model S and Model X are the best-performing and most advanced electric vehicles on the planet. This explains why some people really want to own one, even if it has the steering wheel on the wrong side. Still, this cannot change the fact that the two luxury EVs don't sell quite well, even in the RHD markets. This was the main reason Tesla canceled the RHD models, as there was insufficient demand to justify them.
Tesla’s latest product just for the UK market… ???????????? (yes really) pic.twitter.com/JsvELtZEjk
— Tesla Owners UK ???????? (@TeslaOwnersUK) June 25, 2023
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