"In order to achieve this production rate, we plan to take additional
days of downtime during Q2, just like we did in Q1."
They definitely aren't at a smooth sustainable build rate yet. They could probably maintain 4-5k/week on the Model 3 but in the pursuit of reaching higher output and increasing efficiency there will probably be more shutdowns this quarter.
I would expect that they might lean on the tent/GA4 line to let them do some more shutdowns and reconfigurations of the main line.
I think they've still got a ways to go before they have smooth and steady production output at the efficiency that they want.
Yet they're saying 6000/week by the end of next month. It's a never-ending sprint for the production line workers.
Why not aim for sustained 5000/week, increase QA/reduce re-work and go from there? The fact that Musk is unable or unwilling to take that stance is a red flag for me and underscores my unease.
They definitely aren't at a smooth sustainable build rate yet. They could probably maintain 4-5k/week on the Model 3 but in the pursuit of reaching higher output and increasing efficiency there will probably be more shutdowns this quarter.
I would expect that they might lean on the tent/GA4 line to let them do some more shutdowns and reconfigurations of the main line.
I think they've still got a ways to go before they have smooth and steady production output at the efficiency that they want.