Tesla develops its legal and public relations teams in China

Tesla Inc. (TSLA.O) is hiring managers for its legal and external relations teams in China, according to a job posting on the company’s WeChat account, as the electric vehicle maker faces public scrutiny in the country over safety and customer service complaints.

U.S.-based Tesla, which is based in Shanghai and produces electric Model 3 sedans and Model Y sport utility vehicles, is hiring external relations managers in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.

The job posting did go into depth about roles in external relations, but separate posts indicated that the managers would also be in charge of government relations.

Tesla was strengthening its involvement with mainland regulators and beefing up its government relations team, according to Reuters in May, citing people familiar with the subject.

The firm is looking for lawyers with experience in construction, anti-monopoly, and data privacy protection, as well as public relations managers.

After a client, enraged by the handling of her complaint about defective brakes, climbed on top of a Tesla car in protest at the Shanghai auto show in April, Tesla was singled out by state media and regulators. The incident’s videos went viral.

According to industry figures, the manufacturer sold 32,968 China-made vehicles in July, including 24,347 for export.

Source: Reuters