Tesla Model Y to Launch by 2020 on New Platform

Tesla Inc. aims to launch its all-new Model Y crossover vehicle in about three years.

CEO Elon Musk says the electric vehicle will ride on a new platform rather than share one with the upcoming Model 3 electric sedan as previously had been rumored. Despite problems with the “falcon wing” door system on the larger Model X crossover, Musk says Tesla will use a similar setup for the compact Model Y.

During last week’s conference call to discuss quarterly earnings results, Musk said production of the Model Y will start in late 2019 or early 2020. This was the first time Tesla has provided a timeline for the vehicle.

The company also plans to ramp up a new automated production process with the Model Y. Last November the carmaker agreed to acquire Germany’s Grohmann Engineering GmbH, which specializes in automated manufacturing systems.