Volkswagen AG is about to find out whether consumers will back its 30 billion-euro strategy to topple Tesla Inc. as the electric-car leader. The German auto giant is taking 1,000-euro deposits to secure one of the first in a new range of battery-powered models.

Elon Musk described autonomous-driving technology as “transformative” to Tesla Inc. in a call aimed at ginning up interest in the electric-car maker’s debt and stock offering of about $2 billion, according to two people who dialed in.

Tesla Inc. raised $2.35 billion through debt and stock offerings that expanded from the company’s initial plans, helping to put some near-term liquidity fears to rest.

Tesla Inc.’s deliveries in key European markets slumped in April after booming the previous month, lending credence to CEO Elon Musk’s prediction for “lumpy” results.

Tesla Inc. plans to raise about $2 billion through debt and stock offerings, after CEO Elon Musk overestimated the ability of the Model 3 sedan to generate enough cash for the company to be self-sustaining.

The value of Tesla Inc.’s finished goods inventory, which includes vehicles available for sale, exceeded $2 billion for the first time as the Model 3 sedan began overseas deliveries.

Three months after groundbreaking, Tesla Inc. is rushing to complete its multibillion-dollar factory on the outskirts of Shanghai to capitalize on growing demand in the world’s largest electric car market.

SAN FRANCISCO — Chief Financial Officer Zachary Kirkhorn hinted on a quarterly earnings call that Tesla will build its new semi starting in 2020 at its factory near Reno, Nev.

Tesla Inc.’s latest first quarter was “one of top debacles” ever seen in 20 years of covering tech stocks on the Street, Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives said April 25.

After a record decline in vehicle deliveries in the first quarter, Tesla Inc. is introducing lower-priced versions of several models, effectively offering consumers a discount.