Tesla, Rivian, and QuantumScape Top List of Most Shorted Auto Stocks Ahead of Q2 Earnings

Heading into the second-quarter earnings season, Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA), Rivian (NASDAQ:RIVN), and QuantumScape Corp (NYSE:QS) have emerged as the three most shorted U.S. auto stocks, according to UBS’s latest crowding analysis.

UBS uses a “comprehensive crowding factor” model that aggregates insights from prime brokerage holdings, 13F filings, internal analytics, and stock loan data to rank equities based on long and short positioning. Among the auto, auto parts, and auto-tech space, these three EV-focused names show a significant buildup in short interest.

Tesla’s Negative Sentiment Deepens Tesla's short crowding score worsened from -6.70 to -6.99 as of July 11, keeping the stock firmly in the bottom tier of UBS’s crowding index. This aligns with broader negative sentiment around EV OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). Rivian leads with a score of -13.46, followed closely by QuantumScape at -12.10.

UBS data suggests that bearish bets have intensified on EV plays, possibly reflecting skepticism around delivery growth, rising production costs, or margin compression.

For real-time short interest and institutional positions in auto stocks, refer to the 13F Filings API and Stock Loan & Institutional Ownership Data, which provide visibility into investor behavior and fund sentiment.

Traditional OEMs Attract Long Interest Contrasting the bearish EV trend, legacy automakers such as General Motors (NYSE:GM) and Ford (NYSE:F) are seeing increased long interest. GM ranks as the second most crowded long, with a crowding score of 25.00. Ford’s short interest has climbed again in July, likely due to valuation pressures and elevated expectations relative to GM.

Meanwhile, supplier stocks are also attracting significant attention. Aptiv (NYSE:APTV) saw its long crowding score rise to 20.53, while Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) surged to 25.90, making it the most crowded long among UBS's coverage.

Key Takeaway The divergence in investor positioning between electric and traditional automakers reflects broader concerns around valuation, earnings risk, and economic headwinds. As Q2 earnings unfold, crowding data can act as a useful early indicator of investor conviction and volatility risk.

To track earnings trends and analyst revisions in real time, explore the Up/Down Grades by Company API for insights into how market sentiment is shifting ahead of results.