Tesla Delivers Record Q2 Amid Robotaxi Buzz

Tesla delivered 520,000 vehicles in the second quarter, surpassing analyst estimates of around 475,000 despite a slowdown in China sales. The figure marks a record for the period and represents a 15% increase from the prior year, buoyed by strong demand for its Model 3 and Model Y lines in North America and Europe. Production reached 410,000 units, with the gap reflecting inventory drawdowns and logistical efficiencies.

The results come amid heightened anticipation for Tesla's Robotaxi unveiling on August 8, where Chief Executive Elon Musk teased advancements in Full Self-Driving software. Shares jumped 8% in premarket trading, pushing the stock toward $260 and adding over $60 billion to its market capitalization. Musk's social media activity, dominating X feeds with delivery-beat memes and fan predictions of a $500 share price, amplified the momentum.

This delivery beat underscores Tesla's resilience amid global EV competition and tariff pressures, particularly in China where sales dipped 5% quarter-over-quarter. It matters for validating near-term growth amid margin scrutiny from price cuts. Traders should watch Q2 earnings on July 23 for updates on Robotaxi timelines, FSD adoption rates, and energy storage deployments, alongside any guidance on 2025 volume targets amid regulatory hurdles for autonomy.