Tesla Summary

Tesla has been in the news with several significant updates regarding its vehicles and production. Recently, a sharp rebound in demand for the Model Y in China has been reported, with the China Passenger Car Association noting a 9.95% year-on-year increase and a remarkable 40.98% month-over-month jump in November. Meanwhile, Tesla has officially sold out all remaining 2025 production slots for the Model Y in China, as new orders for the vehicle now show estimated delivery dates between January and February 2026, according to reports from Teslarati.

In Europe, Tesla is making strides with its Full Self-Driving initiative. The company has rolled out FSD ride-alongs as part of a holiday campaign in the Netherlands, coinciding with its ongoing efforts to secure regulatory approval for FSD across Europe. However, concerns are arising as Tesla hints at a new camera upgrade, which casts further doubt on its Full Self-Driving promises, raising questions about the readiness of the technology.

On the production side, Tesla is reportedly making changes to its exterior cameras, particularly the side repeater cameras that are integral to the FSD suite and features like Sentry Mode. These adjustments come amid ongoing scrutiny of the vehicle's reliability, especially as a German study indicates that the Tesla Model Y has the worst reliability among 2022 to 2023 models according to TUV.

Financially, there are mixed sentiments surrounding Tesla's valuation. Notably, investor Michael Burry has expressed strong skepticism, labeling the company's stock as "ridiculously overvalued" in a recent newsletter.

In Japan, Tesla has launched a significant energy storage project with its Megapacks, marking the deployment of a $50 million grid battery that will enhance local energy infrastructure. Furthermore, Tesla has seen a notable increase in sales in Norway, even as it grapples with a slump in other European markets.

Elon Musk remains a central figure in the narrative surrounding Tesla, recently discussing the convergence of Tesla, SpaceX, and his new venture, xAI, in a podcast interview. Musk's influence continues to shape perceptions and developments within the company, as he aims to push the boundaries of technology and innovation.

Amidst all these developments, Tesla's owners have been notified of an increase in prices for the Windshield Protection Plan for the Model 3 and Model Y starting next year, reflecting the company’s ongoing adjustments to its service offerings.