US electric car-maker Tesla is likely to fall short of its annual shipment targets for 2016, spurring ongoing concerns that the company overestimates its production capabilities.
In the second quarter of 2016, Tesla shipped 9 745 of its flagship Model S sedans, and 4 635 of its more high-end Model X SUVs, making up just 14 370 of its 17 000-vehicle shipment target.
Data published on electric transportation Web site Elekrek indicates that this is the first time Tesla has seen its total quarterly deliveries fall for two consecutive quarters, although the figures also show a continuous rises in Model X shipments over the last four quarters.
Elektrek speculates that Model S shipments could have been affected by Tesla prioritising production of the Model X.
The electric car-maker has been beset by doubt and criticism over the last two months, in the face of the first fatal crash in a Tesla car on autopilot on 7 May, and the company's controversial proposal to buy solar panel manufacturer SolarCity, which is chaired by Tesla CEO Elon Musk and led by Musk's first cousin, SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive.
Commonly-voiced concerns about Musk's ventures centre around suspicions that Musk is generally overconfident, for example in the proficiency of Tesla's autopilot feature (which Tesla says failed to distinguish a white truck from the bright sky in the fatal crash), the extent to which Tesla drivers understand their responsibilities while using the feature, and the firm's realistic production capabilities.
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