Tesla missed market estimates for third-quarter deliveries due to production halts caused by planned upgrades at its factories. The electric vehicle manufacturer delivered 435,059 vehicles in the three months ending September 30, down nearly 7% from the previous quarter. However, Tesla maintains its target to deliver 1.8 million vehicles this year. Analysts believe that factory upgrades could lead to a rebound in deliveries in the fourth quarter, as the company plans to refresh its line-up with models that can compete better with offerings from rivals such as Ford and BYD. Furthermore, Tesla has cut prices on certain models and increased discounts and incentives to boost sales.
The electric vehicle market in the United States has experienced a slowdown, although there are indications of growth. According to Canalys Research, there is increasing demand for a wider range of electric vehicle options to meet consumer interest. While Tesla remains a dominant force in the US EV market for 2023, they face competition from other automakers in the country and internationally. Tesla’s strategy to refresh its line-up and reduce prices on certain models aims to stay competitive and attract more customers.
Despite missing market estimates for deliveries, some analysts see potential for a rebound in the fourth quarter as a result of the factory upgrades. Tesla’s updated Model 3, which will have a higher price, is expected to start deliveries in China and Europe during this period. Additionally, the company has plans to launch the Cybertruck later this year. These new models, combined with pricing adjustments and incentives, may help Tesla regain momentum and better compete with other automakers. Tesla’s performance in the fourth quarter, along with its upcoming earnings report, will provide more insight into its growth prospects.