KUALA LUMPUR: Tesla Inc has dismissed market talk of overwhelming orders for Model Y, its maiden car for the Malaysian market, calling it "fake news".
Tesla regional director Isabel Fan categorically denied the claim circulating online that it had secured a staggering 10,000 orders for the Model Y within four days of its soft launch.
"The actual number of reservations will remain undisclosed, but Tesla assures the public that interest in Model Y is strong and appreciates the support from our growing community of customers in Malaysia," she told the New Straits Times on the sidelines of the Tesla launch here today.
News of Model Y's purported orders spread like wildfire across social media, with electric car enthusiasts and tech-savvy consumers expressing their views over the influx of orders.
Model Y comes in three trims, consisting of the Standard rear-wheel drive, Long Range and Performance with prices ranging from RM199,000 to RM288,000.
Tesla said the mid-size SUV is a combination of range, performance, safety and technology that carries over 2,100 litres of cargo space and seating for up to five passengers.
"With ultra-responsive motors, it only takes 3.7 seconds for the Model Y to accelerate from 0 to 100km per hour, with a range of up to 533 km per charge.
"Model Y comes with an all-glass roof, autopilot, active safety features, and a HEPA air filtration system," it added.