Shinsegae said the upcoming mall, which is scheduled to open on September 9, will feature a 205-square-meter Tesla dealership that will open later in the year, with no specific date revealed. (image: Shinsegae)
SEOUL, Sept. 1 (Korea Bizwire) – Tesla, the world’s leading EV manufacturer, has confirmed that its first dealership in Korea will be located at Starfield Hanam, a Shinsegae-Taubman shopping complex that will be the largest of its kind on the peninsula.
Shinsegae said the upcoming mall, which is scheduled to open on September 9, will feature a 205-square-meter Tesla dealership that will open later in the year, with no specific date revealed.
However, this isn’t the only business deal between Tesla and Shinsegae.
Tesla will also install 25 chargers at Shinsegae franchises by H1 2017 as part of its Destination Charging initiative. The locations are expected to include Shinsegae department stores, E-mart stores, Shinsegae Premium Outlets, and Chosun hotels. The Destination Charging program is an EV charging platform typically found at shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels that is exclusive to Tesla customers.
“We’re considering additional Tesla dealerships at the Shinsegae Department Store in Gangnam, and other Shinsegae franchises that are expected to open in 2017 and 2018,” said a Tesla official.
The EV maker will spearhead its business in Korea with the Model S, a full-sized luxury sedan, and will be introducing its crossover SUV Model X in 2017 to Korean consumers.
As the world’s first all-electric vehicle, the Model S was awarded a full score by both the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme). Almost 30,000 units of the Model S were sold globally in 2015 alone.
On the other hand, the Model X, which is also all-electric, is distinguished by its falcon wing doors and panoramic windshield. Released in 2015, almost 8,000 units have been sold so far.
“As part of the recent agreement with Telsa, we’ll be offering our customers yet another differentiated service,” said Jang Jae-young, CEO of Shinsegae. “We’ll continue to innovate our product offerings and lead consumer lifestyle trends.”
By Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
