Tesla 's sales in China dropped to 26,006 vehicles in October, their lowest in three years, as the U.S. electric vehicle maker struggles with tepid demand in the hyper-competitive market.

Sales fell 35.8% from a year earlier, down from September's figure of 71,525 when Tesla began deliveries of the Model Y L, a longer-wheelbase and six-seat version of its best-selling Model Y SUV until now only available in China.

Its exports of China-made vehicles rose to a two-year high of 35,491 units last month, however, data from the China Passenger Car Association showed on Monday.

Tesla's share of China's EV market shrank to just 3.2% in October, down sharply from 8.7% the previous month and its lowest in more than three years.

Tesla's poor performance in the world's largest auto market

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