Tesla has achieved a remarkable milestone by delivering a record-breaking number of cars in the past year, predominantly led by the success of the Model 3 and Model Y. However, the omission of specific mentions of the Cybertruck, Model S, and Model X raises eyebrows. Notably, only a limited number of Cybertrucks, at most ten, are slated for production in 2023, while the silence on the Model S and X suggests a potential shift in their relevance within Tesla’s overall production portfolio, constituting just 3.8 percent of annual output.
In 2023, Tesla boasted an impressive production of 1,775,159 Model 3s and Model Ys, in stark contrast to the comparatively modest 70,826 units of the Model S and Model X combined. Despite this, the cumulative production figure sets a new record at 1,845,945 vehicles.
While Tesla temporarily holds the title of the world’s largest EV manufacturer, recent developments indicate a potential challenge to its supremacy. In the fourth quarter of 2023, Chinese automaker BYD surpassed Tesla’s production numbers for the first time, selling over 525,000 electric cars compared to Tesla’s 494,989. Over the entire year, BYD still trails behind Tesla, producing 1.6 million electric cars.
The concentration of Tesla’s success in the Model 3 and Model Y raises concerns about the company’s vulnerability, particularly as the broader automotive industry rapidly embraces electric vehicles. With the aging Model S (twelve years old) and Model X (nine years old), questions arise about Tesla’s innovation trajectory. While Elon Musk hints at a potential new (compact?) model in 2023, the market entry timeline remains uncertain in the ever-dynamic landscape of Tesla’s developments.
