Tesla Is Gearing Up To Start Building The Model 3 In Shanghai

A series of images from inside Tesla’s new Gigafactory in Shanghai, China, have surfaced, revealing that the electric car manufacturer is making the first steps in commencing production of the Model 3 at the site.

These images, taken from a Weibo account, show a pair of body-in-white Tesla Model 3s sitting where one area of the production line will be. In the background of other images are a host of different robots that will play a significant role in bringing the Model 3 to life in China. It is reported that Tesla has also installed a large stamping machine in the Gigafactory to make body parts, Electrek notes.

Also Read: Tesla Starts Installing Production Equipment At Chinese Gigafactory

In early June, it emerged that Tesla had started installing production equipment into the massive Chinese Gigafactory just six months after breaking ground at the site. Chief executive Elon Musk recently said he believes Gigafactory 3 is the quickest car manufacturing facility to ever be built.

Tesla will start local production of the Model 3 as soon as the plant is ready and intends on churning out approximately 3,000 units per week by the end of the year. At the same time, it is looking to increase Model 3 production at its site in Fremont, California to 7,000 units per week.

Building Model 3s in China for the local market is more important than ever for the American car manufacturer to ensure it avoids steep import tariffs from selling its U.S.-built vehicles in China. The presence of Gigafactory 3 will also somewhat shield it from the ongoing trade war between the United States and China.