A Comparative Analysis of Tesla and Ford for the Previous Six Years

Authors

  • Rezwana Sultana

Keywords:

Electric vehicles, Financial results, Market conditions, Profit margin, Sustainable vehicle solutions, Total revenue

Abstract

A comparison of Tesla and Ford's financial results during the last six years (2018–2023) is shown in this study. The research assesses the financial directions and strategic approaches of these two automotive behemoths by looking at important variables like total revenue, cost of sales, net profit margin, and gross profit margin. The study uses EDGAR-sourced consolidated income statement data, processes and visualizes it using Power Query and Power BI.

Ford's consistent performance as a legacy automaker making the switch to electric vehicles contrasts with Tesla's explosive development, which is fueled by its emphasis on innovation and electric vehicle production. According to the research, Tesla's operational effectiveness and calculated investments in environmentally friendly technologies have allowed it to continuously increase sales growth and profitability. Ford has had trouble adjusting to changing market conditions and competition from electric car makers, despite still having a strong market presence. The report highlights how the automobile industry is changing, with a particular emphasis on Tesla's contribution to innovation and Ford's attempts to adapt to emerging market trend.

The financial effects of various approaches to the shift to sustainable vehicle solutions are discussed in this study.

References

Alon-Barkat, S., & Busuioc, M. (2022). Innovation and disruption in the automotive industry: Tesla vs. legacy automakers. Journal of Business Research, 145, 305–318.

Bohnsack, R., Pinkse, J., & Kolk, A. (2014). Business models for sustainable technologies: Exploring business model evolution in the case of electric vehicles. Research Policy, 43(2), 284–30.

Christensen, C. M. (1997). The innovator’s dilemma: When new technologies cause great firms to fail. Harvard Business School Press.

Cozzi, L., & Petropoulos, A. (2023). Global electric vehicle outlook 2023. International Energy Agency (IEA).

Furr, N., & Snow, D. (2015). Intergenerational hybrids: Spillbacks, spill forwards, and adapting to technology disruptions. Organization Science, 26(2), 475–493.

Grant, R. M. (2019). Contemporary strategy analysis (10th ed.). Wiley.

Hasan, M. R., Hossain, M. S., & Rahman, K. P. (2017). Design and construction of a portable charger by using solar cap. Global Journal of Researches in Engineering: A Mechanical and Mechanics Engineering, 17(5), 14-18.

Hasan, M. R., Molla, S., & Siddique, I. M. (2024). Next-gen production excellence: a deep simulation perspective on process improvement. Journals of Mechatronics Machine Design and Manufacturing, 6(1), 7-20.

Hawkins, A. J. (2021). Ford bets big on EVs with new investments and partnerships. The Verge.

Iansiti, M., & Levien, R. (2004). Strategy as ecology. Harvard Business Review, 82(3), 68–78.

Jacobides, M. G., Knudsen, T., & Augier, M. (2006). Benefiting from innovation: Value creation, value appropriation, and the role of industry architectures. Research Policy, 35(8), 1200–1221.

Kley, F., Lerch, C., & Dallinger, D. (2011). New business models for electric cars A holistic approach. Energy Policy, 39(6), 3392–3403.

Lambert, F. (2023). Tesla achieves record margins while scaling EV production. Electrek

Lang, J. W. B., Reber, B., & Aldori, H. (2022). Financial performance of automotive firms during technological transitions. Journal of Corporate Finance, 73, 102174.

Liker, J. K., & Ogden, T. N. (2022). The Future of Ford: Transformation in the electric age. Harvard Business Review.

Markides, C. (2006). Disruptive innovation: In need of better theory. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 23(1), 19–25.

McKinsey & Company (2022). The future of mobility: What’s next for the automotive industry?

Porter, M. E. (1985). Competitive advantage: Creating and sustaining superior performance. Free Press.

Porter, M. E., & Kramer, M. R. (2011). Creating shared value. Harvard Business Review, 89(1–2), 62–77.

Schaltegger, S., Lüdeke-Freund, F., & Hansen, E. G. (2016). Business models for sustainability. Organization & Environment, 29(3), 264–289.

Siddique, I. M., Molla, S., Hasan, M. D., & Siddique, A. A. (2024). Deployment of advanced and intelligent logistics vehicles with enhanced tracking and security features. Arxiv Preprint Arxiv

Teece, D. J. (2010). Business models, business strategy, and innovation. Long Range Planning, 43(2–3), 172–194.

Wells, P., & Nieuwenhuis, P. (2012). Transition failure: Understanding continuity in the automotive industry. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 79(9), 1681–1692.

Published

2026-03-06

How to Cite

Rezwana Sultana. (2026). A Comparative Analysis of Tesla and Ford for the Previous Six Years. Journal of Economic Studies and Financial Research (e-ISSN: 2584-1629), 7(1), 47–62. Retrieved from https://matjournals.net/engineering/index.php/JESFR/article/view/3189