Tesla shares climbed more than 5% on Monday after the electric vehicle manufacturer posted a cryptic video teaser on the social media platform X, fueling speculation of an impending new vehicle announcement.
Released on Sunday, the first short clip featured a spinning mechanical component, while a second showed a close-up of a vehicle’s headlights. Both videos concluded with the date “10/7,” indicating a potential reveal on Tuesday.
The teasers have ignited discussions among analysts and enthusiasts, with two primary theories emerging: the debut of the long-promised next-generation Roadster or the unveiling of a more affordable, mass-market model.
CEO Elon Musk first revealed the next-generation Roadster concept in November 2017 and has repeatedly hyped its capabilities since. In September, he posted on X that “the new Roadster is something special beyond a car.”
For investors, however, a mass-market vehicle is seen as critical for reigniting sales growth. Such a model would be key to revitalizing sales, especially as Tesla faces a slump in Europe and intense competition in China from local rivals like BYD, which are aggressively expanding overseas. A lower-cost offering, priced around the $25,000 to $30,000 mark, is considered essential for the company to compete effectively.
The potential launch comes as Tesla navigates a complex market. While third-quarter deliveries saw a jump, this was largely attributed to demand pulled forward by an expiring U.S. federal tax credit, following a delivery decline in the prior quarter.
Monday’s speculation provided a boost to Tesla’s stock, which has mounted a recovery after a difficult start to the year. After sinking 36% in the first quarter and rallying 40% in the third, the stock is now up 12% for the year.
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