特斯拉卖得更多，但赚得更少了

Core Viewpoint - Tesla's Q3 financial results reveal a paradox of record revenue growth alongside significant profit decline, indicating a shift in the company's growth dynamics and strategic focus towards AI and robotics rather than solely automotive sales [5][10][13]. Financial Performance - Tesla reported a total revenue of $28.1 billion for Q3, a 12% year-over-year increase, marking a historical high [5][13]. - Net income fell to $1.37 billion, a 37% decrease compared to the previous year, with an operating margin of 5.8%, the lowest in nearly five years [5][13]. - Automotive revenues reached $20.02 billion, while energy generation and storage revenue surged by 44% to $2.38 billion [6][10]. Automotive Business Dynamics - Global vehicle deliveries reached 497,000 units, a 7.4% increase year-over-year, but the growth rate has slowed significantly [10][11]. - The production volume was 447,000 units, indicating a reduction in inventory levels [10][11]. - The Chinese market showed strong recovery with nearly 170,000 units sold, a 31% increase quarter-over-quarter, solidifying Shanghai's role as a global export hub [11][12]. Strategic Shift Towards AI - CEO Elon Musk emphasized a shift towards AI, stating that Tesla's future value will largely derive from AI and robotics rather than traditional automotive manufacturing [7][17]. - The company is expanding its Robotaxi service and has begun deploying its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, although only 12% of users have paid for the FSD feature, indicating skepticism about its maturity [19][18]. Competitive Landscape - Tesla faces increasing competition from local Chinese brands like BYD and NIO, as well as traditional automakers in Europe and the U.S. [15][16]. - The company has had to lower prices to maintain market share, which has further compressed profit margins [15][13]. Future Outlook - Tesla is at a critical juncture, transitioning from a high-margin automotive manufacturer to a broader AI-focused company, with significant investments in AI and robotics expected to shape its future [17][20]. - The success of this strategic pivot will depend on balancing short-term profitability with long-term investments in technology [20].