Several Tesla workers in Fremont are reporting being sent home for a few days this week as the automaker is updating the Model 3 production line to improve automation.
For the first time last month, Tesla achieved a production rate of 2,000 Model 3 per week.
It was a miss from the company’s target of 2,500 units per week, but it still represents a doubling of the production rate over the last quarter.
In a look at the Model 3 production and interview, CEO Elon Musk admitted that they made some mistakes in the Model 3 production plans.
Musk directly took the blame for one of those mistakes: Tesla’s attempt to include too much automation in the manufacturing process:
Yes, excessive automation at Tesla was a mistake. To be precise, my mistake. Humans are underrated.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 13, 2018
Now the company confirmed that the planned shutdown this week is to improve automation on the line.
The week prior to the shutdown, Musk confirmed that Tesla produced 2,071 Model 3 vehicles over a 7-day period.
During that time, the automaker registered a record number of Model 3 VINs and sent out a new wave of invitation to configure to reservation holders.
Electrek’s Take
I don’t think there’s much to worry about here. While it will put a dent in Tesla’s Model 3 deliveries for the quarter, the most important thing is the weekly output at the end of the quarter, which they aim to be 5,000 units.
And if this shutdown actually helps to increase the output, it’s a good thing.
Of course, it remains to be seen, but we will keep in an eye for new VIN registrations and configuration invites at the end of this week and the start of the next in order to get a better idea of the situation.
What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below.
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