Tesla desperately needs Musk’s robotaxis to live up to the hype: Liam Denning

Tesla's third-quarter vehicle deliveries fell short of expectations, reflecting the company's ongoing challenges. Although deliveries rose 6% year-over-year, factory downtime in 2023 inflated that figure, and annual sales are still down 2%. Tesla needs a record-breaking final quarter to meet annual targets, but competition is intensifying, especially from rivals like Nio and GM. With flatlining financials and excess inventory, all eyes are on Elon Musk's Oct. 10 "robotaxi" event for a potential shift in focus.

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By Liam Denning

Guys, you were so close. If it wasn't for that last little bounce of Wall Street optimism on the last day of September, Tesla Inc.'s latest sales figure would have beaten estimates — just.

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