In the world of auto vehicles, Tesla is notorious for falling short in meeting its target delivery dates. So when the reservations for the upcoming Model 3 kept rising, the public understandably got concerned about whether or not the company would be able to pull through. But as it looks right now, it seems that production is right on schedule.
As reported by Clear Technica, one hint that the production of the Model 3 is on schedule is that Tesla has been generous with its promotional videos in Europe and in Canada. And while the US has not received that much attention, that is likely to change soon. The publication noted that an individual by the username @ty02ryan posted a video on his Instagram page. The video featured a Model 3 unit and looked to have been shot from the Tesla store in Santa Monica, California.
The publication also quoted CEO Elon Musk as another clue that the Model 3 is ready for US viewing. "When somebody comes into our store to buy a Model 3," he said. "We say, ‘Well, why don't you buy a Model S or an X instead?' So we anti-sell the 3." The statement seemed to insinuate that the upcoming sedan will soon be available for viewing in US stores.
Furthermore, Tesla has also gone on the record to confirm that mass production of its batter cells have already begun at its Gigafactory. The first battery packs that are in production, however, are destined for the company's energy-storage products. Nevertheless, production of the Model 3 batteries are expected to begun shortly.
The meaning behind these activities are no clear indication that Tesla will be rolling out the Model 3 as the year comes to a close. But while there is no certainty, these updates are definitely not negative signals. But if the highly anticipated sedan were to be delivered late, Market Watch has argued that it might not make a difference to consumers.
Nevertheless, Ben Kallo, an analyst with Baird, noted that it might not matter to the public if the Model 3 is delivered later than expected. "Tesla will make the car and if they are a quarter late, I don't think it'd matter," he said. The car's popularity and current reservation list is unlikely to diminish its popularity at this point.
Tesla is scheduled to make its fourth quarter earnings report next week and all eyes and ears are on the company's progress. The publication continued to note that the company is readying test units of the Model 3 ahead of the earnings report. Wall Street is likewise hoping to catch a glimpse of the sedans or hear more about the production developments at least.
In addition, analysts are looking to hear more details about production cost estimates for the Model 3. Although Bill Selesky, an analyst with Argus Research, said that all things seemed to be going according to plan. Questions from the attendees are also likely to focus on the Tesla's Gigafactory, which is nestled alongside new partner Panasonic.
