Pandemic-related manufacturing shutdowns catch up with Tesla

Tesla produced 258,580 vehicles in the second quarter of 2022, the automaker announced on Saturday. While thats a 25 percent year-on-year increase from the number of cars it made during Q2 2021, its also fewer vehicles than the company produced at the start of the year amid an exceptionally difficult quarter. In the first three months of 2022, the company manufactured 305,407 cars, meaning production volume declined by 15 percent from the previous quarter.

As a result, Tesla also delivered fewer vehicles in the past three months than it did at the start of the year. Deliveries declined by nearly 18 percent between Q1 and Q2 2022 to 254,695. The setback marks the first time in two years that Teslas deliveries have fall quarter over quarter.

The company saw production slowed by ongoing component shortages that affected the entire auto industry. Tesla was also forced to stop work at its critical Shanghai Gigafactory multiple times in March due to the strict COVID-19 lockdowns that hit Chinas most populous city.

If theres a silver lining for Tesla, its that the company would appear well-positioned to bounce back next quarter. According to Tesla investor Sawyer Merritt, the company said it achieved its highest monthly vehicle production volume in June. Well know more about Teslas outlook when the company shares its full Q2 2022 results on July 20th.