Tesla encourages employees to defend the company against Pinduoduo

The global electronic vehicle giant Tesla has fallen into a spat with the Chinese group buying leader Pinduoduo, where its top boss in China urged employees to speak up in defence of the company on social networks. The story starts with a flash sale campaign by the e-commerce platform offering an up to RMB 40,000 ($5,770) discount to five randomly buyers once they can each solicit 10,000 sign-ups from their acquaintances. However, a promised car in Wuhan failed to be delivered as the automaker accused the platform of twisting the truth and manipulating public opinion for its own benefit. This is not the first time that premium brands have clashed with Pinduoduo’s steep discount marketing approach that drives sales and fretting its aggressive subsidy strategy could harm the brand value.