International competitiveness management of Tesla, Inc. during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered the global economy. It has simultaneously contributed to the rise of giant tech companies, and the downfall of small brick-and-mortar businesses. International competitiveness refers to the set of factors that determine the productivity of a country or company. The pandemic has had a significant impact on the global competitiveness of virtually every industry and country. This paper analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability of auto manufacturers to remain competitive internationally, with a primary focus on Tesla, Inc. and other top-performing electric vehicle manufacturers. This work compares key approaches used by Tesla and its competitors to mitigate the negative effects of COVID-19 on their global competitiveness. By examining key performance indicators, such as stock price, gross revenue, and net income of each firm pre- and post pandemic, it arrives at the conclusion that Tesla’s pro-competitiveness approach was superior to its rivals.