That’s lower than the 16,000 deliveries analysts had expected for the quarter.
Advertisement
The company stated that it delivered 12,420 units of the Model S in the first quarter, but only 2,400 units of the Model X over the same period.
Tesla noted that the shortages from its suppliers had a negative impact on its first quarter deliveries, with the issues lasting much longer than anticipated over the months of January and February.
With such numbers, Tesla has to fulfill deliveries of over 250,000 customers which is not an easy task.
Musk, who hasn’t given out all details of the Model 3 yet, says the vehicle will be rear-wheel-drive with optional all-wheel-drive, and its steering controls will feel like a spaceship.
While analysts see a pick-up in Model X deliveries and a huge opportunity with the Model 3, they warned of execution risk with the mass-market auto and said the key for Tesla is to get production in order.
Tesla Motors Inc. said late Monday it fell short of first-quarter sales goals and blamed the miss on a parts shortage that hit the Model X SUV, but the electric-car company vowed not to repeat the mistake with its coming Model 3.
Tesla Motors unveils the new lower-priced Model 3 sedan at the Tesla Motors design studio in Hawthorne, Calif., Thursday, March 31, 2016.
David Muller is the automotive and business reporter for MLive Media Group in Detroit.
Tesla expects that the Model 3 will pave the way to popularize EVs.
The Model 3’s reservation agreement does feature two potential caveats to be aware of: You can’t transfer your reservation over to another person without Tesla’s permission.
Advertisement
Tesla also mentions its inability to manufacture those parts in-house and that the combination of these issues have resulted in production delays for the Model X which is not something the company wants to make a habit out of. The range is more than double the figures of the Nissan Leaf and BMW i3. A total of 14,820 vehicles were delivered in Q1. The Model 3, though not exactly cheap, will help the company appeal to a new group of customers, who for the first time may find one of the sleek electric vehicles within their price range.
