Tesla is gaining an advantage over traditional automakers during the coronavirus crisis because it does not rely on the traditional dealership model for sales and deliveries. Tesla’s rivals have been forced to close most of their vast retail networks as governments imposed restrictions on businesses and people’s movement to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Tesla adapted its approach to each market’s rules. After the lockdown started in Italy, for example, all cars were home delivered at no additional cost to the customer; in France, it is possible for customers to travel for professional activity, including in some cases taking delivery of a new car.
Tesla mainly delivered in March cars ordered in January and February, with very few residual orders from December.
Tesla is promoting its “touchless deliveries,” which it says lets customers “take delivery of their vehicle in a seamless and safe way.”
Rather than having to physically go to a dealership to take delivery of their cars…
