A report out of China has refuted claims a facelifted version of the Tesla Model Y will go into production this year.
According to the Chinese publication the Financial Associated Press, Tesla has told journalists that its Shanghai factory has no plans to facelift the Model Y during 2024. All Australian-market Model Ys are sourced from this plant.
Codenamed ‘Project Juniper’, the updated Tesla Model Y is expected to adopt similar changes to the recent Model 3 facelift, with new front and rear lights, as well as interior and chassis tweaks.
Tesla recently ruled out a facelift for the Model Y in the US this year, however the latest report from China suggests it has no plans to update the popular electric vehicle (EV) globally in 2024.
In addition to China and the US, the Model Y is also produced in Germany.
The crossover’s local launch occurred in August 2022 – two years after first examples rolled out overseas.
Canadian publication Drive Tesla is among the multiple outlets which reported on Tesla’s email to US employees stating it has no plans for a Model Y facelift in North America this year.
“[…] it is important we communicate transparently that there is no refresh for the Model Y launching this year,” the email reads.
Tesla Model Y Performance 
Tesla Model Y Performance
“[…] there is no better time for customers to start driving the world’s best-selling vehicle,” highlighting the incentives available for the electric SUV.
In 2023, the Tesla Model Y was the best-selling vehicle not only in Europe but also globally, with approximately 1.23 million examples sold – significantly more than the Toyota RAV4/Wildlander on 1.07 million sales.
It was also the most popular new car among private buyers in Australia, ranking sixth overall when fleets and businesses were included.
The current Tesla Model Y is priced from $65,400 before on-road costs in Australia.
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