The Tesla Thread

Lashout_UK said:
First production reversing sensors, the roll stability system that went into the XC90, adaptive cruise control (pretty sure), engine oil analysers, first heated windshield (although that was a little earlier), first hybrid SUV, first AWD hybrid, first ten-speed auto (in conjunction with GM). Plus countless superb engines, many of which won awards, the introduction of fine-handling cars such as the Mondeo and Focus – proving family transport didn't have to be dull as dishwater – as well as things like the GT.
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The Ford Granada was also the first European production car to feature ABS as standard (1985).

Lashout_UK said:
I won't pick apart the rest but Ford had 'em in '99. :)
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Reversing sensors fitted as an option to 95-97 Ford Scorpios and as standard to '98 Ford Scorpio Ultimas
 
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Tesla may become beholdent to waymo or mobileeye for self drive level 4 technology though, which may impede their long term expansion if that technology is sequestrated by the mainstream manufacturers ?

Journey said:
if I dunno lets says Apple didn't bother to enter the phone market, would we be where we are today?
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Nokia might still be here with a solid ecosystem too ...... maybe tesla is Nokia and Apple will be apple when it plays out ?
 
Lashout_UK said:
It's an interesting point of conversation, that. Would they have behaved differently if Tesla didn't exist? There's a lot driving the adoption of EVs and, while there's an awful lot of bluster about Tesla, its cars are no longer usually the reason for all the headlines.

Similarly, are the likes of Ford concerned about Tesla stealing its market share? Well, seeing as there are no products from either that are direct rivals (or even customers that might cross-shop the two), probably not – yet...
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I really don't think we would be seeing the adoption of EVs or the general buzz/interest surrounding them without a company such a Tesla ruffling the feathers.

Personally, I thought the tweet from Ford was quite childish.
 
jpaul said:
Tesla may become beholdent to waymo or mobileeye for self drive level 4 technology though, which may impede their long term expansion if that technology is sequestrated by the mainstream manufacturers ?


Nokia might still be here with a solid ecosystem too ...... maybe tesla is Nokia and Apple will be apple when it plays out ?
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Tesla cannot be Nokia, since they are not the current market leader, therefore have nothing to lose if they fail.

Large market leaders who sit on their hands inevitably will always fail when there is a shift change in the sector they dominate, then don't react quick enough to stop the more adaptable companies who saw what was coming. Rather than be protectionist of the current plan, they need to modify or scrap it, also not panic about keeping shareholders happy in the short term if they still want to be the market leader in 3/5/10 years.

I'll go back to the innovation point, Ford can keep making their "feature phones", with extra sensors, fancy heated windscreens and all the other bells and whistles but if that is all the have to shout about, while the other companies have all started rolling out "18:9 Smart phones" and are slowly eating away at the bottom line. Unless Ford invest heavily in battery technology, and are serious about providing competition to VAG/Mecreced-Benz/Hyundai/Nissan/Chevy in the vehicle space, then who know where they will be in 2030.

I want to see an many "motor car" manufacturers as possible, pushing the boundaries with new propulsion technologies that are, cleaner, cheaper, and quieter, or just in general better, than century old horse and cart technology. :)
 
Tesla's innovation is almost certainly going to drive innovation in the sector, but if they continually cannot meet any increased demand to take orders away from their competitors then that change will be slowed. Text is one thing, but if it doesn't translate into something you can sell or someone can buy then it isn't worth much to the business. Musk's ability to lead his businesses at this stage of their development is under considerable scrutiny.
 
I'm at Goodwood FOS and they have one here today. Currently queuing just to look at it. The Tesla people are massively trying to upsell everyone over to a Model S though with 2 week delivery. Clearly £65,000 is more useful to them than £1000 deposits.
 
Apparently the car is staying in the UK after Goodwood and anyone should be able to go and see it at some point. I'm guessing down in London.

I'm not surprised they are trying to up sell to a model S, it is a better car after all, anyone that owns both would tell you that. As you say it's also available now rather than in 12+ months time.

Different kettle of fish in North America, if you put down your $1k on a Model 3 today you could have it in 3-6 months (non base model).

It will be interesting to see what they do with the options on the standard pack. Will it be a mix and match between standard pack, AWD and the premium upgrades. Or will some options be mandated if you want others. I suspect the latter to cut down on the possible configurations and make it easier to make.

For me the priority order for options would be long range pack > premium interior > Auto Pilot > AWD.
 
Interesting article on the paint shop capacity, though I question it's reading of the legalese (allowing a year to switch does not necessarily force a full year to be taken)

As for the ford argument - sure they do add stuff now and again as do all manufacturers, but they are very much incremental and as discussed they are very late to this EV party. Doesn't mean they won't eventually come out on top, but "waiting for the market to grow" is what leaves companies flat footed in all segments - by the time it has grown you're struggling to displace established players.

Anyway, still not convinced I'd buy a model 3 - the touchscreen frankly puts me off, though if I did I think it'd be long range > AWD > autopilot > interior for me.
 
Phate said:
What does that have to do with the Model 3 specifically?
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Why would anyone buy it based on the terrible UK aftercare? That's how it has something to do with it.

Ours has an issue with its lights, still within warranty years, done more milage. Tesla want £3k for new headlights as they are "not very bright Vs new". 3k... Cars two years old ffs
 
Phate said:
For anyone thats interested: https://electrek.co/2018/10/18/tesla-model-3-mid-range-battery-pricing-structure/

Long range RWD
Long Range AWD
Performance AWD

Now its like this

Medium range RWD
Long Range AWD
Performance AWD

And whats left is a Short range RWD model to come. Possibly a short range AWD model as well.
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It seems to be a response to the winding down of the rebates in the US. The same after rebate price for less miles. Not a great deal, but better than nothing I suppose. Anyone buying that in the near future (in the US at least) should really have just bought the original so they got the extra range “free”.
 
Diagro said:
Why would anyone buy it based on the terrible UK aftercare? That's how it has something to do with it.

Ours has an issue with its lights, still within warranty years, done more milage. Tesla want £3k for new headlights as they are "not very bright Vs new". 3k... Cars two years old ffs
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Just wondering what model and spec you have, and how long have you had it - did you get it from new? Not seen any issue with headlights reported elsewhere.
 
Amp34 said:
It seems to be a response to the winding down of the rebates in the US. The same after rebate price for less miles. Not a great deal, but better than nothing I suppose. Anyone buying that in the near future (in the US at least) should really have just bought the original so they got the extra range “free”.
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I heard its a combination of the above and to help relieve some of the pressure in the battery factory, its widely believed that is the bottleneck currently. The mid range pack is the same number of modules but less cells per module. Reducing the number of cells means they can produce more cars from the same battery lines. I doubt the $35k version is ready (new interior) or profitable yet and it would increase demand over what the car factory can deliver in the short term.
 
Just got an email from Tesla Portugal to say they will have the car in store in Lisbon as of tomorrow. And those with reservation numbers get priority access with a chance to sit in the car, look it over, try out the touch screen etc.

Thats a plan for the weekend then :)
 
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