Tesla 3Q production numbers up but can they be sustained?
Tesla Motors accelerated production of its pivotal Model 3 sedan during the summer just as CEO Elon Musk promised, vindicating the electric car maker's leader amid a backdrop of baffling behavior that jeopardized his job.
The company announced Tuesday that it produced 80,142 vehicles in the third quarter, marking a 50 percent increase over the previous quarter. Tesla also made a major leap in the number of cars that were delivered to customers who had pre-ordered them.
The progress is essential to Tesla's survival, not only to preserve customer loyalty but to bring in the cash that the company will need to repay $1.3 billion in debt coming due within the next six months.