Tesla is shutting down Giga Shanghai's Model Y production lines for upgrades

Tesla began taking orders for the new Model Y "Juniper" in China on January 10 but will now close the SUV's production lines. According to Bloomberg, the EV maker is stopping manufacturing to optimize Giga Shanghai's equipment used to make the refreshed model.

The Model Y section of the sprawling facility will shut down from January 22 to February 14. Chinese companies often halt production around that time because of the Chinese Lunar New Year, when many employees travel to the countryside to visit family.

The equipment upgrade will help Tesla to better meet demand for Model Y "Juniper," which is getting its first major update in five years. Tesla will begin deliveries in March, starting with the 50,000 orders it reportedly gathered on the first day of the car's availability. Deliveries are scheduled for March 2025, beginning with the "Launch Series" variants.

The Model Y was the best-selling car in China in 2024. A December surge in sales helped the electric SUV overtake the BYD Qin Plus after trailing the Chinese sedan for most of the year.

Tesla has begun producing the Model Y "Juniper" in Germany. Giga Berlin received the necessary upgrades and staff training during the holidays and completed test builds for the new car.