Tesla has introduced a 0.99% APR financing incentive for the Model Y to combat a 17% drop in January US sales, while shares fell -1.25% to $412.22 pre-market. The move aims to bolster delivery volume but has raised investor concerns regarding automotive gross margins and slowing autonomy progress.
- The financing promotion is a strategic response to significant demand-side pressure following a sharp decline in domestic sales at the start of the year.
- Tesla's Robotaxi service in Austin is facing scrutiny after deploying fewer than 50 vehicles, falling far short of the promised 500 cars.
- Investors are currently weighing the impact of cooling vehicle demand against stalling progress in the company's autonomous driving initiatives.