Tesla Unveils FSD Amid Cybertruck Delay, Q3 Delivery Miss, and Rising EV Competition
October 3, 2024
Tesla has launched its Full Self Driving (FSD) software just before the end of September 2023, coinciding with the highly anticipated release of its Cybertruck.
Despite a slight uptick in deliveries, investors remain wary as increased competition is putting pressure on Tesla's profit margins.
Analysts had expected Tesla to deliver around 461,000 vehicles, and the company slightly exceeded these projections with production figures just under 450,000.
Oppenheimer analysts highlighted that strong sales performance in China helped offset weaker demand in Europe.
In China, strong sales were bolstered by pricing incentives and government subsidies, although competition from local manufacturers like BYD, which sold a record 417,603 vehicles in September, poses challenges.
The entry of new players like Rivian has intensified competition in the electric vehicle market, offering consumers more options across various price points.
While there have been positive year-over-year sales changes, they may not meet investor expectations for sustained growth.
Car manufacturers are increasingly introducing electric pickup trucks to meet the growing demand for EVs, with major brands like Ford, Chevrolet, Rivian, and Tesla leading the charge.
Electric vehicles now account for 18.4% of total vehicle sales, while conventional hybrids represent 16.5% of the market.
Heavy vehicle registrations saw a significant increase of 14.2% in September, reflecting a growing interest in larger electric models.
In Brazil, companies like General Motors and Stellantis are developing hybrid-flex vehicles that can run on 100% ethanol or gasoline, in addition to battery power, to cater to local market needs.
Despite downplaying immediate EV plans, Ford executives, including CEO Jim Farley, continue to emphasize the brand's overall sales performance.
Summary based on 206 sources
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Sources

Forbes • Sep 29, 2024
Ten Months After Release, Tesla Cybertruck Still Missing Key Technology
WIRED • Sep 30, 2024
Cybertruck Finally Gets Full Self-Driving (Supervised)
