Tesla sold nearly thirty three and a half thousand China-made electric cars in May.

That's a jump of 29% from April.

Data from the China Passenger Car Association on Tuesday (June 8) showed China's new electric vehicle sales overall surged 177% in May from a year earlier.

Tesla's China performance is closely watched as a sign of the U.S. company's health in its second biggest market.

It's invested heavily in China, and often changes its own marketing playbook to attract customers.

The U.S. firm makes its Model 3 sedans and Model Y sport-utility vehicles in Shanghai.

The Model 3 was the best-selling electric vehicle in the country before being overtaken by a much cheaper micro EV.

That's made by the joint venture between General Motors and SAIC Motor.

Tesla is also facing rising homegrown competition in China.

As well as scrutiny over its handling of customer complaints regarding quality issues and the managing of data.