Tesla delivered a record number of vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2021, surpassing Wall Street analysts' estimates as the company continues to bypass some of the supply chain disruptions that have plagued other automakers.
The electric vehicle company produced 305,840 vehicles and delivered 308,600 vehicles, breaking the record just set in the third quarter, the company said.
Total vehicle shipments in 2021 will increase by 87% compared to last year. Wall Street analysts previously expected the company to deliver 267,000 vehicles in the fourth quarter and 897,000 vehicles throughout 2021, according to FactSet.
“Our delivery count should be viewed as somewhat conservative, as we only count the vehicle as delivered if it has been handed over to the customer and all paperwork has been completed correctly,” Tesla said in a report, with final figures varying by 0. 5% or more.
"Great work of the Tesla team around the world!" - tweeted Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Sunday.
Despite a global chip shortage, tariffs on critical manufacturing components, and supply chain issues that are expected to cost automakers billions this year, Tesla has managed to keep production and shipments on track, setting all-time highs in the second and third quarters of 2021. The company has also dealt with vehicle recalls this year for reasons such as faulty hoods and rear view cameras, and investigated its autonomous driving technology.
Elon Musk has said he wants to increase Tesla's car sales to 20 million a year over the next nine years, CNBC reports, and expects production to increase when Germany's Tesla Gigafactory and Tesla Giga Austin begin production this year. >
An insider previously reported that Musk pushed workers into "super-hardcore" to achieve good results in the company's third quarter, but it is unknown if Musk made similar remarks in the fourth quarter.
“Thanks to all of our customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders and supporters who helped us have a great year,” Tesla says in its report.
