Tesla sold a record number of electric vehicles in the third quarter. This was a record breaking feat considering that other U.S. automakers saw a decline in sales due to a global shortage of chips.
According to a report by Tesla, the vast majority (some 96%) of Tesla's deliveries were Model 3 sedans and Model Y crossovers. Tesla reported that it delivered 9,275 vehicles, a majority Model X and Model S. The deliveries grew by 20% and 73% respectively over the previous quarter.
The production numbers have also increased. Tesla also produced 237 823 electric vehicles in the third-quarter, which was another record for the company.
Elon Musk, Tesla CEO, congratulated employees and suppliers via a Twitter message for achieving the delivery and production numbers. Musk also tweeted, "Thank you very much to our suppliers and logistics partners for coming through in spite of great difficulties!"
We are grateful to our logistics partners and suppliers for their support despite the difficulties. Elon Musk (@elonmusk), October 2, 2021
Although Tesla's sales beat all expectations, some legacy automakers saw a decline in U.S. sales. (Teslas' sales are worldwide and the company doesn't provide regional data.
GM was the worst hit. Friday's report by GM showed that it sold 446 997 vehicles in the United States, a 33% decrease in new vehicle sales compared with the same quarter last. Due to a shortage of global semiconductor chips and batteries for its Chevrolet Bolt EV or EUV vehicles, GM has had to shut down several plants this summer. Since then, those plants have been brought back online.
GM maintained its adjusted earnings for full year of $11.5 billion to 13.5 billion despite the decline in U.S. sales. The company is still working on solutions to the impact of the semiconductor shortage, and the recall of the Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Stellantis, previously Fiat Chrysler reported a 18% decrease in U.S. sales. Ford has yet to report its sales figures.
