Tesla applies for certification in Korea prior to launch

[THE INVESTOR]  Tesla Motors has requested certifications on emissions and noise from the Environment Ministry, prior to its launch in the country, industry officials said on Sept. 29.

The US electric vehicle maker filed the applications on Sept. 27 for the 90D version of the Model S sedans. Because they are EVs, emissions certification is unnecessary, cutting the process time considerably, the officials said.

The real hurdles will probably be with the transport ministry with whom it must register as a manufacturer. The registration requires that the automaker has the facilities and technicians set up locally to provide after-sale services. 

Unlike other foreign automakers who meet the requirement by conducting sales through dealerships, Tesla plans to make sales through its US headquarters instead. Officials said the Transport Ministry has asked Tesla to solve the problem.

The Model S 90 D is said to go 473 kilometers on a single charge and is priced at approximately US$90,000. The sales price in Korea has not yet been mentioned.

(theinvestor@heraldcorp.com)