Tesla is moving forward on its South Korea sales, opening two stores this week – about three months ahead of deliveries.
Local consumers who are interested can visit a showroom in Hanam, just east of Seoul, starting on Wednesday. Friday will see the opening of a second retail store in Cheongdam, a neighborhood in the capital city.
Deliveries will begin in June, but the showrooms give the opportunity for customers to see and Test drive Tesla vehicles, Tesla Korea told the Yonhap news agency. Customers can then go online and customize their order.
While not specified in the news story, the Hanam showroom is likely to be located at the Starfield Hanam. Tesla was in talks last year with the shopping complex’s owner, Shinsegae Group, which opened South Korea’s largest mall in September.
Cheongdam sounds like another ideal location for a Tesla store, described by Yonhap as a “plush neighborhood.”
The Tesla Model S 90D will be the first of its models available for delivery to buyers in June.
Customers wanting to put a deposit down on a Model X or a Model 3 can do so on the Tesla Korea’s website. That site went live late last year.
SEE ALSO: Tesla Gains Approval To Set Up Shop In Korea As Of May
The electric automaker will also be installing six Superchargers across the country, and an additional 25 charging stations with the six fast chargers.
The company had submitted for certification to enter the country in December with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Tesla had also requested approval in establishing service centers in South Korea, which were approved with the certification.
These service stations will also provide charging stations to Tesla owners.
South Korea has opened up to more foreign electric vehicle manufacturers coming in to the country to deal with concerns over air quality. Tesla will be competing with the Hyundai Ioniq, but also with BYD electric vehicles.
That Chinese manufacturer was given certification to enter South Korea in late 2016. Inside EVs reported that along with being granted access, BYD had won a contract to import 1,000 BYD K9 electric buses to the country.
