Multiple Sources Get Tesla Production and Delivery Numbers Wrong: Why Did This Happen?

The reason for incorrect information about Tesla

Multiple sources reported incorrectly on Tesla's Q1, 2023 production and delivery numbers. Some reported that Tesla dropped dramatically in their production and deliveries, while others said that analyst estimates for deliveries were upwards of 432,000, when they were actually around 421,000 and Tesla beat them.

Why would sources report incorrectly on this information? The answer is simple and it has to do with something that has been happening with Tesla since it started delivering its first electric vehicles. It is because Tesla has first mover advantage and is the leader. When someone is the leader and beating everyone else, then those who are behind or have an interest in other companies besides Tesla are going to do their best to create FUD.

FUD means Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt. This is the only thing that can be done against Tesla to try and create a perception that the company is falling behind, unsafe, in order for other companies that are starting to make electric vehicles to look like they have a chance. Those companies cannot innovate as fast as Tesla or do cost reductions, so what other choice do they have?

As long as Tesla is in the lead for electric vehicles, this constant and never ending stream of FUD is going to continue. And I think that is OK. I don't have a problem with it. The company that is in the lead and doing the best should be able to handle this natural attack with FUD by continuing to innovate and cut costs and show that it is still the leader. The FUD should not affect the company at all.

After correcting their misleading tweet, Reuters left the inaccurate headline on their own website. Community Notes called this out, and now, finally, the headline is updated.This is the first time in a while that I’ve had any hope for the media. Well done @elonmusk. https://t.co/ZVbpLy0ayX— Matt Smith (@MatchasmMatt) April 3, 2023

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The FUD will continue

As I said, the FUD is going to continue against Tesla because it's the only avenue by which other companies have a chance - and that is to try and change the perception of Tesla and hopefully persuade other people to buy another electric vehicle.

Like I said, it's going to be harder to beat Tesla by innovating and cutting costs, so the alternative is going to be to create FUD.

Tesla is a once in a generation type of company, and I don't see the FUD doing any damage to Tesla in the future. In fact, I see it quite the opposite. The FUD is simply free advertising for Tesla, as those who hear the FUD have an opportunity to research Tesla and see what it is all about.

When Tesla gets to 20 million deliveries and production around 2030, the FUD is STILL going to be happening. It's not going away, ever, and if at some point in the future, Tesla is not in the lead anymore, the new company in the lead will face FUD from others trying to bring it down.

This is a natural part of competition and the world and for Tesla, I welcome it as any good company should be able to stand up to scrutiny.

What do you think about Tesla's Q1, 2023 production and deliveries?

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Jeremy Johnson is a Tesla investor and supporter. He first invested in Tesla in 2017 after years of following Elon Musk and admiring his work ethic and intelligence. Since then, he's become a Tesla bull, covering anything about Tesla he can find, while also dabbling in other electric vehicle companies. Jeremy covers Tesla developments at Torque News. You can follow him on Twitter or LinkedIn to stay in touch and follow his Tesla news coverage on Torque News.

Image Credit, Tesla, Screenshot