The drop in numbers comes despite steep discounts BYD has handed out on its vehicles, signalling that Tesla's global clout will not be easily challenged

Xiaomi co-founder and CEO, Lei Jun, believes his newly launched electric sedan is a direct competitor of Tesla — both in price and capabilities

Southeast Asia has emerged as one of the hottest EV markets and could boost Tesla at a time when demand is slowing in its two biggest markets: China and the US

Both firms have seen their market shares squeezed by local rivals such as smartphone-maker Huawei and electric vehicle giant BYD, while a larger economic slowdown shadows China

The world’s two biggest EV-makers have been locked in a drawn-out and brutal price war in China since the beginning of last year

Exports have helped drive subsidised Chinese automakers' growth but they are now seeing pushback from US and European governments

"Our observation is generally that the Chinese car companies are the most competitive car companies in the world," the Tesla chief said at a post-earnings call

The Chinese EV-maker's bumper sales suggest car buyers are looking for cheaper models in a high-interest-rate economy

The new requirements, issued in December, seek to reduce US reliance on China in its electric-vehicle supply chain

Tesla paid 222.42 million yuan ($31.13 million) for use rights to a 19.7-hectare (48.7 acres) plot in Shanghai for $31.13 million

The US carmaker sold 82,432 of its Shanghai gigafactory-produced vehicles last month as rival BYD set a new sales record

Nio has announced plans to cut its workforce by 10% as buyers shun pure electrics for more economical plug-in hybrids