Last year Tesla delivered just over 50,000 vehicles, most of which were its Model S saloon auto. The auto maker says it is still “on track” to deliver between 80,000 and 90,000 new cars this year, a target all the more necessary given the unanticipated demand for the newly launched Model 3.
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Tesla pinned the blame for Model X delays on its suppliers, saying a shortage of roughly half a dozen parts in January and February “lasted much longer than initially expected”.
It should be noted that Tesla only introduced the one-screen setup as a “production intention”. CEO Elon Musk addressed the issue two days after unveiling the Model 3, when he tweeted out, “Our production ramp plan should enable large numbers of non X/S customers to receive the credit”. The company said it also lacked sufficient in-house capability to produce some of the parts.
The basic model will start at $35,000 (£24,423) and have a range of at least 215 miles (346km) per charge.
Tesla shares were trading slightly lower on Tuesday, as limited Model X output pushed Tesla’s total quarterly deliveries below Wall Street expectations.
As of Saturday, Musk said more than 276,000 pre-orders had been placed.
Therefore, as Automotive News notes, the value of Tesla stock had come closer to where it was before they showcased the Model 3. While online orders opened at 7:30 p.m. PT on Thursday, people who went to the auto firm’s retail location were able to deposit $1,000 and place an order Thursday morning.
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.
This undated photo provided by Tesla Motors shows the Model 3 auto. The company also offers electric vehicle powertrain components and systems to other manufacturers.
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Tesla Motors, the U.S.-based electric vehicle (EV) producer, announced on April 2 (local time) that it received 253,000 preorders for its Model 3 electric sedan, which is slated to be officially released at the end of next year, in 36 hours after preorders began.
