Tesla CEO Elon Musk talking about the Model 3. AP Photo/Justin Pritchard, File Elon Musk has some words of appreciation for his ever-growing legion of Tesla customers.

"Wanted to say thanks to all that own or ordered a Tesla," Musk tweeted on Monday evening. "It matters to us that you took a risk on a new car company. We won't forget."

Musk's gratitude is especially poignant here, with the first 30 production units of the Model 3 due to make their world debut in about three weeks.

The Tesla CEO just hours earlier announced plans to deliver the entry-level cars would be delivered on July 28 and said the company was on schedule to produce another 1,500 by September and 20,000 Model 3s by December.

The roughly $35,000 sedan is an endeavor long in the making for Tesla and Musk. The company has become the most successful electric-car maker, thanks in part to the Model S and Model X luxury sedan and SUV — the sales of which have paved the way for a more affordable, mass-market car in the Model 3.