Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) struggled to finally meet its production goal of 5,000 Model 3 cars per week, battling manufacturing issues and factory fires. Internal turmoil plagued the company as well.
But just days before the goal was met, Tesla's chief vehicle engineer Doug Field left the company, according to a report by The Verge.
"Tesla would like to thank Doug for his hard work over the years and for everything he has done for Tesla," said the company in its SEC filing.
Before Tesla, Field worked for Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) as the vice president of Mac hardware engineering. Before that, he worked for Segway and Ford.
As the company struggled to increase Model 3 production, Field sent an email to Tesla employees encouraging the workers to "prove a bunch of haters wrong".
READ: Tesla meets its Model 3 production goal, sets higher goal for next month
In an attempt to get production back on track, CEO Elon Musk took the reins. A few weeks later, Field took a leave of absence to "recharge and spend time with his family", said Tesla.
The electric vehicle maker will take a production break this week for upkeep and maintenance and begin again after the Fourth of July holiday, according to a Bloomberg report.
Outlook
In an email to employees, Musk said that the company is on track to reach 6,000 Model 3s per week next month.
READ: Tesla shares could rise if 2Q production hits targets, says Baird
Some analysts are viewing Tesla's victory as a Hail Mary. The car company met its production goal at the very last minute, a few hours after the midnight deadline.
CFRA analysts downgraded Tesla's stock to Sell from Hold, expressing doubt at the company's ability to sustain its production rate of 5,000 cars per week.
Analyst Efraim Levy said the production rate is not "operationally or financially sustainable".
Shares of Tesla shed aroudn 5% in New York to stand at US$318.03.