Tesla 
TSLA could be heading into a tougher stretch as shipments from its Shanghai plant slipped again in October, marking another sign of weakening momentum. Preliminary data from China’s Passenger Car Association showed 61,497 vehicles shipped last month, down almost 10% from a year earlier. While most of those cars went to Chinese customers, the decline adds to a growing sense that Tesla’s final quarter might be an uphill climb. Global delivery volumes have softened as demand in Europe fades and US sales face pressure following the end of key tax credits that fueled record third-quarter results.
In response, Tesla has rolled out new, lower-priced versions of its best-selling modelseach priced under $40,000to reignite interest among cost-sensitive buyers. However, these models come with compromises: shorter range and fewer premium touches, such as the loss of ambient lighting and rear-seat screens. The strategy could help maintain unit momentum but might also weigh on profitability, especially as the electric-vehicle price war intensifies. Analysts suggest Tesla’s near-term challenge lies in defending market share while managing the margin squeeze that comes with cheaper trims.
Meanwhile, the broader Chinese EV market remains a patchwork of contrasts. Local rivals like Zhejiang Leapmotor and Geely Auto hit new monthly records, while BYD (BYDDF) saw another dip but maintained its rank as China’s No. 2 automaker. Industrywide, new-energy vehicle sales rose 16% in October to 1.61 million units, underscoring strong domestic demand even as Tesla’s own figures lose steam. Bloomberg estimates suggest the company could deliver 1.64 million vehicles this year, including about 445,111 in the final quartera test of whether Tesla’s pricing playbook can still deliver growth as competition and policy shifts reshape the global EV landscape.
