Following reply/quote is from Mark B. Spiegel (on Inside EV's): "Once a Model S is destined for China (after it’s built but before it’s shipped) Tesla requires an additional $40,000 deposit to pay shipping, taxes and import duties." My question: "Do customers in Hong Kong who order a Tesla Model S also have to pay an additional (second) deposit to pay shipping, taxes and import duties?"
So, Hong Kong customers pay a deposit when making a reservation for a Tesla Model S, and when they receive their Tesla Model S they pay the remaining amount, and nothing inbetween, right?
Yes, correct. I paid 39,000 HKD (~3,900 EUR) in December 2012, and haven't paid anything since to Tesla Motors. Next up is when I will finalise my financing, together with the paperwork, insurance and all the rest. As far as I understand, TM takes the final payment a few days before delivery. If I were to back out at the last moment, they probably couldn't get their money. On the other hand, with 5 months waiting time, if they made an auction they would probably make another few 100,000 HKD for someone who is eager to take delivery right away. So I don't think they are so concerned in Hong Kong, maybe more so in China.