In a surprising twist, Tesla’s Model S and Model X have witnessed a remarkable resurgence in sales, reaching levels unseen in the past five years. The electric car giant disclosed its sales figures for the fourth quarter, proudly confirming the achievement of its ambitious 1.8 million unit production and delivery target for the year. While the spotlight usually gravitates towards the ever-popular Model 3 and Model Y, this time, the iconic Model S and Model X have stolen the limelight.
Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck Deliveries
The Q4 figures combine deliveries of the Model S, Model X, and the much-anticipated Cybertruck, which commenced deliveries in late November. Interestingly, the Cybertruck’s contribution to the overall figure seems minimal, with Tesla opting to keep the exact number of Cybertruck deliveries in November and December undisclosed. Preliminary estimates suggest that Tesla delivered fewer than 100 Cybertrucks during this period.
Breaking down the numbers, an impressive 22,969 units of what Tesla categorizes as “other models,” encompassing the Model S and Model X, were sold and delivered in the final quarter of 2023. This marks a five-year high, surpassing any quarterly performance since 2019, as highlighted by Saywer Merritt. For perspective, Model S and Model X deliveries dipped to a mere 2,000 units in Q1 2021, a consequence of the comprehensive revamping of both models, only to rebound to a staggering 19,225 units in Q2 2023.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s Perspective
Despite their newfound success in the sales arena, the Model S and Model X represent a fraction of Tesla’s overall production and delivery portfolio, constituting just over 90 percent for the entire year. Elon Musk, Tesla’s enigmatic CEO, acknowledged a few years ago that the continued production of these premium vehicles was driven more by sentiment than practicality. In Musk’s words from 2019, “I mean, they’re very expensive, made in low volume. To be totally frank, we’re continuing to make them more for sentimental reasons than anything else. They’re really of minor importance to the future.”
Musk, however, couldn’t help but express his admiration for these iconic models, citing the Model S’s accolade as MotorTrend’s “best car ever in history.” He praised its cutting-edge features, including variable damping suspension, a hospital operating room feel, a HEPA filter for air purification, and the formidable raven powertrain, proclaiming it to be the fastest car in the world and a joy to drive.
Pricing, Tax Credits, and Consumer Interest
While the resurgence in Model S and Model X sales is a noteworthy development, analysts suggest that lower prices for these premium vehicles and tax credits, particularly for the Model X’s Long Range configuration, have played pivotal roles in driving consumer interest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tesla’s Model S and Model X, once perceived as niche products in the company’s expansive lineup, have defied expectations with a resurgence in sales, hitting a five-year high. Despite Elon Musk’s earlier acknowledgment of their sentimental production, the allure of these premium electric vehicles, coupled with strategic pricing and tax incentives, has propelled them into the spotlight once again.
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SOURCE : TESLARATI
FAQs
What factors contributed to the notable surge in Model S and Model X sales in Q4 2023?
The resurgence in sales can be attributed to strategic pricing, making these premium electric vehicles more accessible, coupled with enticing tax credits, especially for the Model X’s Long Range configuration. These factors significantly boosted consumer interest.
Why did Tesla group Model S, Model X, and the Cybertruck for reporting in Q4?
Tesla opted to combine the sales figures of Model S, Model X, and the Cybertruck for reporting purposes in Q4. The Cybertruck, initiating deliveries in late November, contributed to the overall figure, though the exact number of Cybertruck deliveries remains undisclosed.
How do the Q4 2023 sales of Model S and Model X compare to previous quarters?
The sales of Model S and Model X in Q4 2023 reached a notable five-year high, with 22,969 units sold. This surpasses any quarterly performance since 2019. Notably, the first quarter of 2021 saw a dip in deliveries due to the comprehensive revamping of both models.
What did Elon Musk say about the production of Model S and Model X in 2019?
In 2019, Elon Musk acknowledged that the continued production of Model S and Model X was driven more by sentimental reasons than practical necessity. Despite their high cost and low production volume compared to other models, Musk expressed admiration for their exceptional features and performance.