BEIJING, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Tesla Inc ( TSLA ) started

accepting orders for its new Model Y L in China on Tuesday with

a starting price of 339,000 yuan ($47,184), its website showed,

as it refreshes its line-up in the world's largest auto market

to battle growing competition.

Tesla first launched the Model Y in 2020 and it became the

world's best-selling car in 2023. The ageing model lost some

sales momentum last year, hurt by competition from local rivals

in China such as Xiaomi's ( XIACF ) YU7, while in other markets

demand for electric vehicles has weakened.

In January, Tesla launched a new version of the Model Y with

a redesigned exterior and upgraded features in Asia Pacific

markets and in July registered plans with Chinese authorities

for the new Model Y L.

A longer-range, rear-wheel drive Model 3 is also coming to

the Chinese market, according to filing information published on

China's industry ministry website in July.

Elon Musk's Tesla registered an 8.4% fall in July sales of

its China-made electric vehicles.

($1 = 7.1846 Chinese yuan)