Tesla Scrambles to Fix Marketing Miscues in China

Tesla Motors Inc. is adjusting the marketing of its Model S electric sedans in China after several missteps.

CEO Elon Musk concedes sales in China have been disappointing. He blames "brain-dead" Tesla sales people who told prospects they would have difficulty charging their cars' batteries, a claim he says is false.

The company is retraining its sales staff, adding vehicle features and rushing to address complaints about China's lack of charging facilities, Bloomberg News reports.

One change: Tesla is offering a $2,000 executive rear-seating option for Chinese customers, many of whom like to be chauffeured. The package includes fancier seats and smartphone-operated audio, sunroof and zoned climate controls.

The company also is stepping up efforts to open more of its Supercharger quick-charge stations, whose service is free for Tesla customers. The direct-current chargers can restore a Model S battery to at least 50% power in about 20 minutes. The company says it has installed more than 1,000 such facilities in China so far.

Bloomberg reports Tesla is paying to install at-home chargers for its customers in China. The company also is giving customers a slow-speed charger that can be plugged into any outlet.