Tesla Inc. set a record for profit but warned that supply chain problems will keep it from introducing new vehicle models this year while it focuses on expanding production of its current lineup.
That means fans of the Cybertruck will have to wait until at least 2023. On the other hand, full self-driving features are coming this year, and a humanoid robot is on the fast track for development, said Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk.
The automaker, headquartered in Austin, Texas, reported fourth-quarter earnings of $2.88 billion (R43 billion), or $2.54 (R39.15) a share, excluding some items, on strong sales of its mass-market models.
That was above analysts’ estimates of $2.36 a share. Tesla delivered more than 936,000 vehicles worldwide in 2021, up 87% from the year before and above the 50% average annual expansion projected over the course of several years.
But it’s now cautioning the shortages that cut sales for most other major automakers will squeeze Tesla, too.
“Our own factories have been running below capacity for several quarters as supply chain became the main limiting factor, which is likely to continue through 2022,” Tesla said.
Shares of Tesla were little changed in extended trading after initially falling sharply. The stock advanced 2.1% to $937.41 at the close Wednesday in New York and is down 11% this year. The commentary on the risk factors is taking on a different weight in the current environment,” said Gene Munster of Loup Ventures.
“Whenever there are unknowns about the future it can spook investors a little bit. Revenue for the quarter grew 65% to $17.7 billion, compared with estimates of $16.6 billion, the company said Wednesday, with projections for growth “comfortably above 50% in 2022,” executives said on a call with investors.
After being absent from the earnings call last quarter, Musk rejoined Wednesday to update Tesla’s “product roadmap.
He confirmed that in 2022 the company won’t be introducing the Cybertruck, a prototype Musk recently said he is personally testing at Tesla’s new factory in Austin, or any other new models until 2023.
He was also asked about the prospect for a $25,000 vehicle, which would make his cars affordable for many more buyers. We will not be introducing new vehicle models this year, it would not make any sense, because we’ll still be parts constrained,” he said.
The company’s key goals this year will be scaling up output at existing factories, while scouting for new locations and achieving full-self-driving for its vehicles. In Texas, the company has begun producing the Model Y with 4680 battery cells, he said.
Source: mybroadband
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