Tesla builds six millionth car, deliveries fall for first time since 2020

American electric carmaker Tesla has had to cut the celebrations of building its six millionth car short after quarterly car deliveries fell for the first time since 2020.

In the first three months of this year to March 31, the company sold 386,810 vehicles which is 20.1 per cent less than the previous quarter. Total production for the first quarter of 2024 came to 433,371 vehicles, most of which were Model 3 and Y models.

Tesla says the drop in deliveries was due to it preparing its Freemont factory to produce the facelifted Model 3, factory shutdowns caused by shipping diversions, and an arson attack on its Gigafactory in Berlin, Germany.

Nevertheless, reaching a total production volume of six million vehicles is an impressive feat, with the brand taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to mark the occasion.

“Produced our 6 millionth car! Thank you to our owners and teams around the world for your support and hard work – it truly matters,” Tesla stated.

A video was also posted showing production line staff surrounding the six millionth vehicle – a Model Y finished in Stealth Grey.

The milestone comes a few months after Tesla lost its position as the world’s leading manufacturer of electric vehicles, with the claim going to Chinese rival BYD.