It looks like Tesla had so much trouble with the Model X seats that it's going to make them itself
In the same statement, Tesla made an interesting admission:
In other words, if you can't get it done, do it yourself.
The Model X is Tesla recently launched SUV, and prior to its debit, CEO Elon Musk admitted that what he termed "sculptural" back seats were causing some issues with production.
The Model X launched on schedule in late September, but clearly the situation with the seats was bad enough to prompt Tesla to take the unusual step of in-sourcing manufacturing.
Seats are a component that automakers typically have developed by a supplier, although much of the design work may be done by an OEM's own staff.
Is this a good thing for Tesla?
It depends. The startup electric car maker has defied critics simply by continuing to exist. But as it grows, clear problems with its manufacturing processes are coming to light. This is still an automaker building one car in one factory. And that factory is in Northern California, pretty far from the automaking strongholds of the Midwest and the South, where the bulk of the US supply chain if located.
Tesla needs to get the Model X right, so if it wants to build its own seats, that's probably a logical decision. But it does add to the work that Tesla has to do in the future.