What's Next For Tesla Inc (TSLA) In 2018?

Despite a late-year cooling off period, Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) shares enjoyed a banner 2017.

The stock surged over 45% this year, in fact, doubling the performance of the benchmark S&P 500. This strong performance came despite a bevy of well-publicized speed bumps, including weak Model 3 production and very little progress with its self-driving system, Autopilot.

But as Electrek reports, yet another new vehicle (the Model Y) could be a nice catalyst for the company next year:

Tesla Model Y’ is not an official name yet, but that’s what Tesla officials have been referring to when talking about a crossover all-electric vehicle built on the same third-generation platform as the Model 3.
CEO Elon Musk has often mentioned that Tesla will quickly turn its focus to Model Y as soon as they will have a good handle on Model 3 production.
We don’t expect the Model Y to go into production in 2018, but we expect Tesla to unveil the vehicle and start taking orders in the first half of the year.

A ramp-up in Model 3 production will also be in focus, as will some potential updates to the Model S and Model X, both of which saw very little in terms of upgrades in 2017. Investors will also want to see serious progress for Autopilot, and some signs that Tesla’s energy business can become a profitable source of revenue.

There’s no shortage of challenges for Tesla next year, to be sure. At some point, the company will need to demonstrate that it can be more than just a niche EV player if it’s going to live up to its billing as the most valuable automaker in the United States — a title that CEO Elon Musk has said himself that the company doesn’t deserve.

Tesla Inc shares closed at $311.35 on Friday, down $4.01 (-1.27%). Year-to-date, TSLA has gained 45.70%, versus a 21.71% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.

TSLA currently has a StockNews.com POWR Rating of C (Neutral), and is ranked #19 of 24 stocks in the Auto & Vehicle Manufacturers category.

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