Failure to launch- Tesla has delivered 15 Model X vehicles in 3 months
Tesla continues to have its bright points. The vehicles are simply amazing. They are also amazingly expensive. Price didn’t hold back the Model S, though, so why has Tesla only delivered 15 Model X crossover/minivans since its launch three months ago?
We use as our source of Tesla production volume one of the leading EV advocacy publications, Inside EVs. Over the past few years, this publication has done an outstanding job of tracking Tesla’s production numbers as the quarter rolls out. As you probably know, Tesla does not talk to investors, or the media about its monthly production numbers, something every other automaker does. Once firm information is gathered from mandatory SEC filings and other sources (vehicle registrations and sightings) Inside EVs “trues-up” its numbers. The site has been remarkably accurate over time, and we have come to trust its numbers.
Tesla made a lot of noise about the Model X. Reporters, including some here at Torque News, reported pre-orders as if they were actual sales - a long, long time ago. Look at the Google search results for Tesla Model X and you will find dozens of excited EV advocates talking about the fantastic aspects of the vehicle. One headline says you can get a model X “For as little as $80,000.” As little? The vehicle starts at $80K and rises to about $140K when equipped with the stuff that makes it special. About five times the cost of the Toyota Sienna AWD or Honda Pilot Touring.
Very few publications are talking about the kit-car-like launch of the Model X. The best information we could find was at SFGate.com, who reported Elon Musk as saying “We see no fundamental issue on the production ramp. It’s really down to the little things, like the placement of the seal on the door. ... We feel very confident in being able to get to several hundred vehicles a week by the end of the year.” The end of the year is in 18 business days. December looks to be a banner month for the Model X.
If you are a fan of the Model X tell us why you think this slow launch is happening and why it is another example of a solid company showing the big automakers who’s boss.