July 5, 2018—As Tesla pushed to hit its electric vehicle production targets for the quarter, it decided to skip “brake and roll” testing for its Model 3 sedans in its Fremont factory,
CNBC reports.The company managed to meet a self-imposed deadline to produce 5,000 Model 3 cars in a week after several quarters of missing its goals.
Tesla's stock plunged by more than 7 percent on Tuesday. Like other auto makers, the company is facing tariffs that will take effect on Friday. And, yesterday CFRA downgraded the stock from hold to sell, saying the company's "burst" production rate for its Model 3s won't be sustainable.
Tesla characterizes the brake-and-roll tests it recently suspended as redundant, the company told CNBC:
“Every car we build goes through rigorous quality checks and must meet exacting specifications, including brake tests. To be extremely clear, we drive *every* Model 3 on our test track to verify braking, torque, squeal and rattle. There are no exceptions.”
It has not yet said whether or when the tests may be reinstated.
