Tesla new job advertisement revealed its plans to finally penetrate the South American automotive industry, with Chile as the first stop.
Tesla investor @SawyerMerritt shared a screenshot of the LinkedIn job posting for a new General Manager in Chile on social media platform X.
Job posting details
Tesla clearly indicated that it is looking for a “Country General Manager” to aid its expansion plans in South America, starting with the Chilean market.
Notably, Tesla initially looks for a country manager whenever it plans to penetrate a new market.
“Tesla Motors seeks a Country General Manager, Chile to help launch the market. You’ll be the ambassador of our brand in the market and will play a pivotal role in shaping our corporate image while accelerating the transition to sustainable energy.”
Tesla
Tesla will base the General Manager in Santiago, the capital of Chile. It is also currently seeking to hire Tesla advisors and service technicians.
Why Chile?
Electrek pointed out that Chile’s overall vehicle sales have only reached approximately 234,000 units this year to date. This figure represents a 29% decline from the same period last year.
It is worth noting that the Brazilian market can sell that much in just a month alone. That said, Tesla’s decision to select Chile as its first stop in the region is interesting.
However, it must also be indicated that the country currently expresses a huge interest in electric-powered models. It has also launched various efforts to promote e-mobility shifts, including a 2035 ban for diesel- and petrol-powered vehicles.
More importantly, the country has abundant lithium reserves that are crucial for EV battery production.
Tesla negotiates with SQM
BNN reported that Tesla is currently “in talks” with Chile’s leading lithium producer, Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM). It is apparently part of the automaker’s efforts to obtain sufficient lithium supply.
Suppose these two major players succeed in coming up with an agreement. In that case, it may also prompt the Musk-led company to establish a lithium processing facility in the country for its EV batteries.
It would be a strategic move that can accelerate Tesla’s production of high-quality li-ion batteries.
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The Chilean Government aims to ban new sales of conventional internal combustion engine-powered vehicles in the country by 2035. Tesla’s imminent arrival will surely aid the country in achieving that target, considering its innovative electric vehicles and sustainable technologies.
