Musk says Tesla gives up some color options for cars to simplify production

(Reuters) – Tesla Inc (TSLA.OElon Musk, chairman and CEO of the company, tweeted Tuesday as the company stepped up its efforts to speed up production.

Tesla currently offers seven colors for its vehicles, including the S variant, the mid-size X model and the most affordable sedan. The company is trying to solve production problems after struggling to produce several Model 3 sedans.

"We removed 2 colors of 7 colors from Tesla on Wednesday to simplify manufacturing, and Obsidian Black & Metallic Silver will still be available as a special request, but at a higher price," Musk wrote in a tweet. right here

The color options still available are solid black, metallic silver, deep blue metallic, pearl white and multi-layered red.

"We occasionally adjust prices and available options to better reflect the value of our products and streamline our manufacturing operations," said a spokesman for Tesla.

"The adjustments made today are the last example. Model 2 dual-engine AWD now represents a $ 6,000 option and, starting September 13, we will be removing two paint options. "

Shares of the company, which closed Monday at $ 285.50 against 8.5% after two brokerages announced they could reach their production targets for the second half, fell by nearly 2% before the bell of Tuesday.

"The abandonment of paint options will not be the last action to simplify automobile production. Tesla has no experience in mass production. They still need a lot of production know-how, "said Frank Schwope, analyst at NORD / LB.

Separately, the Electrek automotive information site announced that Tesla is currently launching its own "auto body repair centers" to reduce repair times with the first nine sites.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a comment to confirm the report.