It goes without saying that Tesla is a highly successful company with a great track record in the electric car and energy storage industry. Yes, Elon Musk's business is indeed popular, but one Chinese beverage-maker seems keen on boosting the company's popularity.
Recently on Twitter, one user uploaded photos of alcoholic drinks in various colors and flavors. What's special about them? They all feature the Tesla logo.
WTF! Meanwhile in China buy your bottle of Tesla coming to a store near you!#Tesla #TeslaChina #GF3 #OnlyinChina #特斯拉 #中国 $TSLA pic.twitter.com/w3F8Y1X9aW — Jay in Shanghai (@JayinShanghai) March 10, 2020
Giga Shanghai is not behind the alcoholic drink -- let's clear that up -- but the Tesla brand is growing in popularity in China. While unlawful use of brand names and logos affects most brands negatively, Musk's electric car company seems to have benefitted from it.
The photos were shared by Tesla enthusiast @JayInShanghai wherein bottles of alcoholic drinks lining up were shown, all bearing the words "Tesla Motors" on their label. Jay previously posted a picture of an ad of the product, which got people interested and asking if the drink is indeed one of Musk's new endeavors. However, it was later confirmed that Tesla has nothing to do with it.
It's not the first time Tesla's been linked to an alcoholic drink. Musk's "Teslaquila" April Fool's gag in 2018 caught the attention of many, and the CEO eventually decided to make the product real. However, its release was challenged by several technical factors.
Not only did Tesla file trademarks for the Teslaquila name, but they also went through a tough discussion with US Trademark Office as it was raised that Musk's alcoholic drink could be easily confused with "Tesla Spirit," which is already registered at the time.
There was also a strong opposition from Mexico, where tequila originally comes from. Much like feta cheese can only be Greek and how Scotch whiskey is protected by Scotland, the word "Tequila" is protected by Mexico as well.
If Musk decides to push his own brand of alcoholic beverages, however, it would wind up competing with the world's already established tequila names. The SpaceX CEO has got a lot of fans after all, so there's a chance for the product to thrive in the market. Perhaps the Boring Company could do it?
As Giga Shanghai continues its production of the Model 3, Tesla is hard at work promoting its name and presence in China. Earlier this year, the company started delivering its EVs to local customers. In fact, it has already started phase 3 of the facility's construction.
