Quarterly earnings soared from a year earlier after the company booked a tax benefit, but increased competition and a price war took a toll, the electric-car maker said.
The nation’s largest automaker sold more cars in 2023 than a year ago as supply chain chaos ended, but sales are now under pressure from rising interest rates.
The leading electric-vehicle maker also drew buyers eager to take advantage of government incentives that will be harder to get in 2024.
Growth is brisk but slower than expected, causing automakers to question their multibillion-dollar investments in new factories and raising doubts about the effectiveness of federal incentives.
The carmaker reported $3.1 billion in profit from July through September, which included two weeks of walkouts by the United Automobile Workers.
The Department of Justice has sought documents related to vehicle range and “personal benefits,” Tesla said.
The carmaker made less money in the third quarter as it cut car prices to attract buyers amid stronger competition.
Analysts expected a decline in sales for the quarter. Still, the dip may raise concerns about flagging demand.
The automaker made more money on trucks and sport utility vehicles but reported bigger losses on electric vehicles.
The German automaker lowered its outlook for deliveries and announced changes to its China strategy as it struggles to regain ground lost to other automakers.