Tesla had plans to aggressively manufacture its upcoming Model Y crossover SUV, according to leaked internal memos.
Business Insider reports that internal documents given to Tesla employees a number of weeks before the company’s October earnings call reveal it had plans to build its upcoming Model Y vehicle at a rapid speed.
According to the documents, the Elon Musk-helmed automaker planned to build 7,000 Model Y SUVs per week at its massive Gigafactory 1 in Nevada as soon as December 20, 2020. Additionally, the company was also planning to build 5,000 Model Y vehicles at its China Gigafactory by February 2021.
The documents also revealed the fact that the vehicle will be based on the Model 3 platform and contain a third row of seats in the rear, thanks to a higher frame.
Palo Alto-based Tesla told Business Insider, however, that its plans have since changed.
“The timelines and information shared here are outdated,” a company spokesperson told the publication. “When we have details to announce, we will certainly share them. In the meantime, we remain focused on Model 3, which we are excited to bring to Europe and China early next year.”
CEO Elon Musk has stated that his company is eyeing a Model Y production start date toward the end of 2020, with plans to unveil the Model Y in March of next year.
With the Model Y, Tesla hopes to see a repeat of the success of the Model 3, which, despite early production difficulties, has since become one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States.
In related news, Tesla will release a new upgrade to its cars’ Summon feature that will allow the vehicles to follow parking signs, find empty slots, park automatically, and most importantly, allow you to drive it like a giant RC car.
