Tesla heading to China

US electric car giant Tesla is investigating the possibility of manufacturing some of its vehicles in China.

Tesla is just the latest of a number of auto manufacturers to announce plans to build in the country. [Photo: VCG]

In an announcement, made last week, Tesla revealed plans to start building its cars in China.

Whilst these would see most production remain in the USA, the potential move reflects the enormous importance of the Chinese market to the brand.

Indeed, CEO Elon Musk acknowledged this in the announcement:

''Tesla is deeply committed to the Chinese market, and we continue to evaluate potential manufacturing sites around the globe to serve the local markets.''

Tesla is just the latest of a number of auto manufacturers to announce plans to build in China.

Earlier this week, we reported that Geely - the new owner of the Lotus and Proton brands - was considering moving production to the country, alongside plans to refresh their model line-ups.

Just a week before that, US auto giant Ford had announced plans to move the production of the Focus model to China.

At present, the model is made in China, Germany and the USA. We understand that once the changes are made, Chinese production will be ramped-up and US manufacture of the Focus will cease.

That move follows the abandonment of Ford's plans to open a Focus production line in Mexico - a plan that was publicly condemned by US President Donald Trump.