Tesla's March deliveries in China lead to a solid outlook for the electric-car maker into the rest of 2021, according to Wedbush analyst Dan Ives.
On Friday, the China Passenger Car Association data showed that Tesla delivered 35,500 vehicles in March, about double the February level.
Ives mentioned in a note, "The narrative is [clear: Despite] the haters and bears focused on China EV sales softening in January, we have seen a storybook comeback from Tesla and domestic EV players NIO, Li Auto, Xpeng and others in this key region".
Wedbush expects a run rate of 300,000 units delivered in China for the year. Tesla has a target of delivering 850,000 vehicles worldwide.
"As this green tidal wave hits its next phase globally, ... the Tesla EV demand story is just starting to play out," Ives noted.
Wedbush maintained its outperform rating and $1,000 price target on Tesla shares.