Embattled electric car pioneer misses production targets

US electric carmaker Tesla says it will fall short of its annual shipment targets, sparking worries about its production capabilities.

The situation has been exacerbated by the passing away of a driver of a Tesla car using self-driving technology in Florida last month after colliding with a lorry.

Tesla shipped 14,370 cars in the second quarter, missing its target of 17,000.

The missed production goals come at a crucial time for Tesla.

Over the past three months, Tesla shares have fallen by 13%.

Tesla says it still expects to deliver about 50,000 cars during the second half of the year. With the first two quarters lagging behind target though, the company will still fall short of its full-year target of 80,000 to 90,000 cars over the entire year.

Tesla Motors has been one of the pioneers in pushing for electric, gasoline-free vehicles, but recent developments have led to doubts among investors over the company’s prospects.

US safety regulators have announced an investigation into last month’s accident. In a statement, Tesla says it appears that the Model S car was unable to recognise “the white side of the tractor trailer against a brightly lit sky” that had driven across its path.