Earlier this week, Tesla said it delivered 14,820 Model S and Model X cars during the first quarter, missing its initial target of 16,000.
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Production of the Model 3 isn’t slated to begin until late 2017, although Musk has already tweeted that Tesla may try to start production sooner and increase output to meet unexpected demand.
So far the automaker has gotten 325,000 pre-orders for its $35,000 sedan which, according to CEO Elon Musk, averaged at $42,000 instead. The task of fulfilling $14 billion worth of orders may not be answered by the Fremont facility alone, especially given the brisk pace with which European customers have been buying Tesla vehicles. We must also note that Tesla is the only carmaker with over-the-air software updates for their cars, and which also bring new features, like the fabulous “Ludicrous” mode.
Considering that hundreds of people were lining up outside Tesla Stores across the world to get a chance to pre-order the vehicle even before the auto was unveiled last week, it seems like Tesla itself was not aware of the full extent of its popularity. Initial production of Model 3 will be the basic model, with no bells and whistles…and priced at $35K.
In terms of design and specs, Tesla’s Model 3 is a victor.
Eager consumers have waited in long lines for the Tesla Model 3.
“This Interest has spread completely organically”, Tesla said on its blog.
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In a statement, Tesla said: “We are all taking a huge step towards a better future by accelerating the transition to sustainable transportation”. The Model S and Model X now start at around $80,000, but quickly top $100,000 when options are added. The less-than-expected 325,000 requests that the company posted this morning could explain why the stock has dipped slightly, ending its unstoppable growth since the Model 3 was announced. This unprecedented response, the company claims, has made the Model 3 the most successful product launch ever!
