Source: https://ir.tesla.com/press-release/tesla-vehicle-production-deliveries-and-date-financial-results-webcast-first-quarter-2023 AUSTIN, Texas, April 2, 2023 – In the first quarter, we produced over 440,000 vehicles and delivered over 422,000 vehicles. We continued to transition towards a more even regional mix of vehicle builds, including Model S/X vehicles in transit to EMEA and APAC. Code: Production Deliveries lease % Model S/X 19,437 10,695 10% Model 3/Y 421,371 412,180 5% Total 440,808 422,875 5% Bob Wilson
I've omitted their editorializing embedded in the 'current' story. Reuters had this to say: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-misses-first-quarter-delivery-estimates-2023-04-02/ . . . Tesla delivered 422,875 vehicles for the first three months of this year, up 4% from the previous quarter. This was 36% higher than a year ago. In January, Chief Executive Elon Musk said Tesla could achieve 2 million vehicle deliveries this year, up 52% from last year. . . . In January, Tesla slashed prices globally by as much as 20%. . . The basic Model Y that used to sell for $65,990 now costs $54,990. . . . Tesla delivered 6% more of its mainstay Model 3/Model Y vehicles in the first three months of this year than in the previous quarter. . . . The carmaker produced more cars than it delivered, manufacturing 440,808 vehicles for the first three months of this year. The automaker ramped up production at new factories in Texas and Berlin, and as China production recovered from a COVID-19 lockdown hit. Tesla tweeted on Sunday that its Texas factory built 4,000 Model Y this week, while the automaker said in late February that its German plant was producing 4,000 cars per week. [last week the German plant hit 5,000 rjw] . . . Bob Wilson
Source: Saudis, other oil giants announce surprise production cuts | AP News DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia and other major oil producers on Sunday announced ... cuts totaling up to 1.15 million barrels per day from May until the end of the year, a move that could raise prices worldwide. Higher oil prices would help fill Russian President Vladimir Putin’s coffers as his country wages war on Ukraine and force Americans and others to pay even more at the pump amid worldwide inflation. It was also likely to further strain ties with the United States, which has called on Saudi Arabia and other allies to increase production as it tries to bring prices down and squeeze Russia’s finances. The production cuts alone could push U.S. gasoline prices up by roughly 26 cents per gallon, in addition to the usual increase that comes when refineries change the gasoline blend during the summer driving season, said Kevin Book, managing director of Clearview Energy Partners LLC. The Energy Department calculates the seasonal increase at an average of 32 cents per gallon, Book said. . . . Elon Musk has a grin on his face with this news. Renewable energy and electric cars just became even more popular. Tesla's 2023 Q1 production and delivery numbers suggest the extra 20,000 Teslas will sell quickly. Bob Wilson
I think Model S and X sales numbers are really the fly in the ointment. Both of these, in my opinion, are way below what they should be. The Cadillac Escalade (over 40K in 2022 sales) is wiping the floor with the Model X, for example. Tesla really needs to re-do these vehicles from the ground up and make them truly flagship vehicles. The changes beneath the skin have been constant and the models still have some very strong points. Still, a completely reengineered platform would be a much better vehicle. New exterior design (and interior too, please) would go a long way toward attracting attention. We humans adore novelty and a 10-year old design ignores that unfortunate fact. Tesla should also spend time and attention on upgrading features and materials. While I'm not saying make them spaceship/super yacht-like, like the EQS, but massaging seats with ventilation are the bare minimum. I think the flagship models should do roughly 50K in sales each. As it is, some people are going for Model Y and Model 3 instead of S and X because they're much better values - the extra money doesn't give you a significant enough increase in luxury. And many luxury buyers are sticking with ICE because those cars have the luxury feel and features they want.
