Tesla and Porsche unveil new models as competition with China heats up

Two major Western car makers announced new flagship vehicles as they vie to keep up with Chinese challengers.

Tesla unveiled its Roadster, first touted almost a decade ago, while Porsche revealed its first car under its new boss, who has vowed to turn the automaker’s fortunes around after years of declining sales, notably in China.

However, the new models are not expected for years, contrasting with Chinese carmakers that have “slashed” production times, going from concept to launch in roughly 24 months, McKinsey said.

Soaring output in China has pushed Europe and the US to throw up trade barriers, though those could prove ineffective. “Chinese cars on US roads is a matter of when, not if,” a Reuters columnist argued.