Tesla CEO Elon Musk again taunts US market regulators SEC

In a tweet on Thursday, Musk referred to the SEC as the Shortseller Enrichment Commission.

The tech billionaire made a similar reference to the SEC in October 2018 after the regulator accused him of securities fraud, The Detroit News reported.

In September 2018, the SEC filed a lawsuit against Musk over a tweet that claimed that he had funding to take Tesla private at $420 a share.

As part of the settlement, Musk had to step down as Tesla Chairman for a period of three years, besides a $20 million fine.

On Thursday, Musk even joked that Tesla would "make fabulous short shorts in radiant red satin with gold trim."

"Will send some to the Shortseller Enrichment Commission to comfort them through these difficult times," he said in another tweet.

According to a report in MarketWatch, Tesla shares rose almost eight per cent to close at a record $1,208.66 on Thursday, after the company announced it produced over 82,000 vehicles and delivered approximately 90,650 vehicles in the second quarter of this year.

"While our main factory in Fremont was shut down for much of the quarter, we have successfully ramped production back to prior levels," Tesla said.

"Thanks Tesla owners & investors! Love you!! We will work super hard to earn your trust & support," Musk tweeted in response to the report.