Tesla delivered more than 486,000 vehicles and built 464,391 in the quarter ended September, according to results released Friday. The figure topped consensus analyst estimates and even the most optimistic forecasts, extending a rebound after a rough start to the year. Deliveries rose by roughly 6,000 compared with the second quarter, though they remained below the 497,000 delivered in the same period last year, Tesla's best quarter ever, which was inflated by U.S. buyers rushing to claim an expiring federal tax credit.
U.S. sales have been under pressure for several reasons, according to Cox Automotive data cited in the report. Tesla has not launched a new consumer model in years, except for the Cybertruck, which has struggled commercially. Additionally, some potential buyers have been deterred by CEO Elon Musk's personal support of Donald Trump's presidential campaign and his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency, which cut thousands of jobs and canceled international aid funding.
To offset the U.S. decline, Tesla has leaned on other markets. European registrations have risen again, aided by tighter emissions regulations and broader EV adoption, and Tesla is reportedly expanding capacity at its German factory to meet demand. Sales from its China plant have also extended a growth streak despite intense regional competition, with some deliveries directed to newer markets such as Japan and Australia.