Tesla Has Lots Of Growing Pains Ahead

[3wheelin]

I am patriotic and not picking on Tesla, just stating a fact.

That's good because who knows, maybe Tesla's E. Musk is EM's saving grace!

 

[TexasTesla]

Yet TESLA still hasn't shown a profit.

Please do your research, as your statement is incorrect.

As of October 2018, Tesla has posted its first profitable quarter in two years, its third ever, thanks to the popularity of the Model 3 sedan. The automaker said that it generated $6.8 billion in revenue in the third quarter of 2018 and walked away with $311 million in profit — the most the company has ever made in a quarter.

 

[Made in USA]

The problem with "profit" is how it is defined. Sure Tesla made profit during a quarter. The problem is with all the bills that are due to be repaid. In my eyes, a company isn't really making a profit until all the bills are paid in full and whatever is left over is the true profit.

I also agree that anytime new technology comes along there will be growing pains. This doesn't only apply to Tesla, but all the manufacturers starting to get into EV's. Commonly the early adopters are also considered "on the bleeding edge" just for that reason.

Here is one part of an article about Tesla reliability:

The Tesla Model X crossover was the second-best-selling EV in the US last year, but to date it has struggled with reliability. Consumer Reports has given it a “much worse than average” overall rating in three of the last three years, based on data from hundreds of owners. Problem areas have included in-car electronics, power equipment, noise, leaks, paint and trim. It also has exhibited minor issues with its drive systems and climate controls. In terms of the reliability, the Model X is the worst of Tesla’s three rated vehicles, but the others aren’t much better. Neither the Model S nor Model 3 are on Consumer Reports’ recommended list.

 

[RSchneider]

The problem with "profit" is how it is defined. Sure Tesla made profit during a quarter. The problem is with all the bills that are due to be repaid. In my eyes, a company isn't really making a profit until all the bills are paid in full and whatever is left over is the true profit.

That's the business plan for a mom and pop store. They really don't plan on expanding, just making it to where they have a war chest of cash to retire on. Tesla needs to burn through all profits because they need to expand and not be a "has been" in 5 years from now. Elio will have the same issue. When the money starts rolling in when they get to production, those profits will be dumped into marketing, a show that will need to be 10X what it was, training for service, warranty, customer service, parts distribution, logistics, the stores and the startup of Elio 2.0 R&D. Elio must do this because they will have to future proof the company. They can;t be a one pony show and everyone want's to see them succeed, not fail.

 

[Jelio]

I can't see Tesla's as ever being a car for the masses. They are priced way out of the common persons price range. As they expand they are going up in price models, not down. Good for Tesla they are making money. I was and still am waiting for the Elio because of price. My Ryker Rally was 12k and the Elio at 10k is WAY under the price of a used Tesla. I've also bought a recumbent trike for 1.8k while I wait. I will not put all of my money into one car who's technology will be superseded by new technology within a decade.

 

[Rickb]

I can't see Tesla's as ever being a car for the masses. They are priced way out of the common persons price range. As they expand they are going up in price models, not down. Good for Tesla they are making money. I was and still am waiting for the Elio because of price. My Ryker Rally was 12k and the Elio at 10k is WAY under the price of a used Tesla. I've also bought a recumbent trike for 1.8k while I wait. I will not put all of my money into one car who's technology will be superseded by new technology within a decade.

Too late, it’s already being massed produced.

 

[RSchneider]

I can't see Tesla's as ever being a car for the masses.

When one counter has Tesla making over 5700 Model 3's per week and over 217K delivered since July 2017.At the current pace, Tesla build over 300K of them. I just don't know what the split is for US and ROW though. No matter what, 300K is a pretty good amount as Elio will max out at 250K per year.

 

[TexasTesla]

Elio will max out at 250K per year.

I’d be happy if Elio could produce just a couple of specification ready test mules.

 

[84mpg]

Me too. Maybe some good things will start happening. We’re due some for sure. Keep the faith....

 

[W. WIllie]

I volunteered to ELIO to be a test driver, without pay, but they never responded.
(Turbo still on the shelf and waiting)