<![CDATA[Tesla Motors Club - Enthusiasts & Owners Forum - Tesla Motors]]> http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/ Discussion about Tesla Motors the company en Thu, 23 May 2013 08:28:54 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/images/misc/rss.png <![CDATA[Tesla Motors Club - Enthusiasts & Owners Forum - Tesla Motors]]> http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/ Tesla repays department energy loan nine years early http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/17072-Tesla-repays-department-energy-loan-nine-years-early?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 20:36:45 GMT http://www.teslamotors.com/about/press/releases/tesla-repays-department-energy-loan-nine-years-early The press release is out ... http://www.teslamotors.com/about/pre...ne-years-early

The press release is out ... ]]> Tesla Motors clea http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/17072-Tesla-repays-department-energy-loan-nine-years-early Tesla Service: Talk to the Mechanic? http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/17059-Tesla-Service-Talk-to-the-Mechanic?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 14:27:53 GMT Just thought I would add a suggestion for providing the ultimate service for Tesla customers. One thing I dislike about getting a car serviced at... Just thought I would add a suggestion for providing the ultimate service for Tesla customers.

One thing I dislike about getting a car serviced at a traditional dealership/garage is not easily being able to talk to the mechanic directly. I think it should be a given that the mechanic will give you the low down on what was done to service your car. Especially for more invasive and complicated procedures.

I liken this to going to a surgeon, after all the customers who buy a Model S hold them very dear to there hearts. After surgery, who wants to get second hand information on how it went from the administrator? Not me because sometimes they don't know all the details and often get them wrong. Or, you ask a question and they don't know, so they have to go ask the mechanic anyways. After my car is serviced let me talk to the mechanic by default so I can get first hand detailed information on what was done and get on my way.

What do people think? ]]> Tesla Motors Duckjybe http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/17059-Tesla-Service-Talk-to-the-Mechanic A Tesla Marketing Plan Proposal http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/17041-A-Tesla-Marketing-Plan-Proposal?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 02:38:11 GMT Hello Everybody, Been on these forums for not too long, but have been a Tesla enthusiast since day one. Currently I am in grad school and worked... Hello Everybody,

Been on these forums for not too long, but have been a Tesla enthusiast since day one. Currently I am in grad school and worked on a marketing project with my group members to really boost Model S sales and aid in making the car more mainstream.

This is just an inkling of what we came up with but unfortunately the page limit killed us. Please give it a read if interested and let me know your thoughts. Perhaps somebody from Tesla is reading this and might want to discuss.

It's a bit of a long read but the good stuff comes at the Marketing Plan part, I had to give a lot of background because we presented to the class who knew nothing about Tesla Motors. And the Appendix has some print ads we created.

Feel free to give it a quick readTesla Motors Marketing Proposal.pdf
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]]> Tesla Motors aznt1217 http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/17041-A-Tesla-Marketing-Plan-Proposal Enthusiast Non-buyers (gen3 waiters) http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/17036-Enthusiast-Non-buyers-(gen3-waiters)?goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 23:58:48 GMT Hi Guys,

Just curious how many others there are like me. I've een obsessed with Tesla since the Roadster. Read the forums, scour the streets, discuss to no end. Invested at the ipo and again on dips.

I dream of owning the S but it really makes no sense for me. I walk to work for 5+ years now, our Subaru is paid off and the wife drives it. So I'm a dreamer with no reason to get one, but damn the car is awesome I covet.

I'm a wannabe living vicariously through you guys! Though, I will buy gen 3! ]]> Tesla Motors clmason http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/17036-Enthusiast-Non-buyers-(gen3-waiters) Tesla queens service center rocks!!! http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16969-Tesla-queens-service-center-rocks!!!?goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 17:53:08 GMT TESLA QUEENS SERVICE CENTER ROCKS!!!! My 2008 Roadster arrived 3 weeks ago from Seattle and the warranty was expiring on May 15. The sent a flatbed... TESLA QUEENS SERVICE CENTER ROCKS!!!! My 2008 Roadster arrived 3 weeks ago from Seattle and the warranty was expiring on May 15. The sent a flatbed to my home about 100 miles away. Actually took the car from my garage where it was charging. They were unbelievable in following up on every picky detail that I requested, even did some things that were more preventive than needed. I have had good service from BMW in the past but NOTHING like the ROYAL TREATMENT given to me by this service center. Then they brought the car back to my house, left it in the garage squeaky clean. THANK YOU OMAR AND YOUR TEAM. :biggrin: ]]> Tesla Motors bart513 http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16969-Tesla-queens-service-center-rocks!!! Bypassing the dealership laws with a car rental company http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16949-Bypassing-the-dealership-laws-with-a-car-rental-company?goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 21:25:37 GMT As Tesla has a lot of restrictions in some states about displaying their cars and giving test drives, I was thinking what if Tesla acts in those... As Tesla has a lot of restrictions in some states about displaying their cars and giving test drives, I was thinking what if Tesla acts in those state technically as a rental company.
Or are there also restrictions for Car rental companies that Im not aware of? ]]> Tesla Motors TD1 http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16949-Bypassing-the-dealership-laws-with-a-car-rental-company Tesla vs. TSLA http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16925-Tesla-vs-TSLA?goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 03:00:01 GMT If you had one choice, owning the Model S _or_ the equivalent amount of TSLA (and TSLA could not fund a Tesla), which would you choose? If you had one choice, owning the Model S or the equivalent amount of TSLA (and TSLA could not fund a Tesla), which would you choose? ]]> Tesla Motors Cattledog http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16925-Tesla-vs-TSLA Ranger Service Response Times, etc.... http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16897-Ranger-Service-Response-Times-etc?goto=newpost Fri, 17 May 2013 09:33:39 GMT Since I live 1000+ miles from the nearest Tesla store/service center, how my vehicle will get service when it is required is one of the biggest... Since I live 1000+ miles from the nearest Tesla store/service center, how my vehicle will get service when it is required is one of the biggest questions I face as a potential Tesla owner. My only reasonable option will be Ranger service.

I was just curious as to the experience people have had with this facet of Tesla. What was the nature of your service call? How long did it take for a ranger to be sent? How far are you from the nearest service center? How would you rate the experience? (I know some aspects of Tesla service are pretty sub-standard at the moment).

This subject has probably been sporadically discussed in other threads, but I thought it would be nice for people to have an easy-to-find place to report specifically on their ranger service experiences.

I'm particularly interested in hearing from fellow Canadians. ]]> Tesla Motors Mayhemm http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16897-Ranger-Service-Response-Times-etc TMW (Tesla Member Works): the Ultimate Buying Machine* http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16888-TMW-(Tesla-Member-Works)-the-Ultimate-Buying-Machine*?goto=newpost Fri, 17 May 2013 01:31:28 GMT Crowdsourcing the dealer network with owner sales consultants As a shareholder, one of the pleasures of following Tesla as a company is the... Crowdsourcing the dealer network with owner sales consultants

As a shareholder, one of the pleasures of following Tesla as a company is the innovation in all aspects of the corporation. From load-bearing battery pack pancakes to over the air software upgrades, from marketing presence in upscale shopping malls to hybrid leases, this is a transportation product and company reimagined. And to an ex-physicist (Ph.D., Stanford, ‘89), Elon and team’s penchant for rethinking each issue from first principles scratches an itch for me that is both deeply satisfying and yet rarely seen, even in the VC startup space. Clearly Tesla represents more than a battery-powered car.

Which leads me to thinking about the situation with the sales channel, and the opposition of the National Automobile Dealers Association.

Clearly, kudos are due to George Blankenship, who has done a terrific job rethinking the sales and marketing channels. The shopping mall presence, the non-comissioned representatives, the company-owned network, the build-to-order, no-inventory ordering process, as exciting and financially efficient as they are, are simply the logical outward expression of a deeper and even more exciting process. That is, he and his team have grokked the fundamental challenges, assets, and opportunities for Tesla and the electric vehicle industry, and produced an end to end system that is a work of art.

And yet there are challenges. Clever as the “no sales, just a showroom” idea is, it is not ideal. This is understandable. After all, this is not buying a book at Amazon. When one is talking about putting down $100,000 for a car, it helps to have someone there to close the sale.

At the same time, Tesla has one asset to bring to bear that simply cannot be matched by its competition, a true sustainable competitive advantage. Elon has noted “Importantly, we are seeing orders in a particular region increase proportionate to the number of deliveries, which means that customers are selling other customers on the car.” Many TMC members have noted the same effect, albeit anecdotally. Apparently, Tesla owners appear to be among the most highly satisfied customers of any car make, and there is reason to believe that will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future. As such, they are uniquely positioned to be the best sales advocates for Tesla.

Some have even suggested sales commissions for the owners. I don’t know. That doesn’t feel quite right to me. For one thing, I don’t want my friends thinking I am pressuring them into buying a car so I can earn a few hundred dollars. Besides, the greater need is to connect a local owner to the person who doesn’t have a friend that owns a Tesla.

So why not do just that? Namely, use existing owners to crowdsource the dealer network.

It would work like this. Either at a showroom or on the web, the prospective buyer types in their zip code to look for a list of nearby owners who are participating in the Tesla Sales Consultants program. They review the options, including ratings from past participants of the different consultants, and contact the one that seems like the best fit (here’s a sample page (any resemblance to actual TMC members is purely coincidental)) . You, the consultant, arrange to swap cars for a day. You meet in the evening, give some simple instructions about driving the Model S, and then they drive off in your car and you in theirs (perhaps after both signing a standardized insurance waiver). They experience what it would be like to use the car in their daily routine. At the end of the day you meet, buy them dinner, talk about the experience, answer any questions, and talk about your own experience living with the car. All in a very relaxed and no pressure atmosphere.

But if there is no sales commission, what would be the incentive for Model S owners to participate? After all, we’re talking about lending out your car for a day, and the hassle and time spent for both an initial meeting and a dinner. And what’s this about paying for dinner?

I think the answer is that the potential purchaser pays $500 for the chance to meet with an owner consultant and use their car for a day. Now you may think “this sounded reasonable up to this point, but now this guy has lost it. After all, since when does a customer pay to meet with a salesman, just to try out a car?”

Well, picture the potential purchaser sitting on the fence. What are they thinking? “The car is attractive, even beguiling. But it’s an awful lot of money. What would it really do for me on a daily basis? What difference would it make in my life?” All I know is, if I were seriously contemplating spending $70K - $110K on a completely new type of car, I would consider $500 money well spent to help make that decision. And notice that because no commission is involved, all of the incentives, both social and economic, work to create as pleasant and non-pressure a consultative experience as possible. The owner has already been paid for his troubles. He or she doesn’t need to sell the car. Just give the prospective buyer all the benefit of their experience. And if they want to get a good rating at the web site, they’ll make the experience as enjoyable as possible, whether the person is leaning towards buying or not.

I think owners in this setting would be more persuasive than any Tesla employee could ever be. For one, they have more experience with the product. More importantly, remember what Geoffrey Moore’s Crossing the Chasm teaches us about the real definition of a market segment. It is a group of peers who trust and respect the opinions of fellow peer group members. Well, a prospective buyer is far more likely to perceive an owner as a true peer than any Tesla employee.

As a further (and probably necessary) incentive Tesla could credit buyers the cost of the sales consultant. (Frankly, it would probably pay Tesla, in terms of increasing the numbers of prospective customers to bite on the idea, to offer them a $1,000 credit for their $500 investment. In terms of conversion rates from fence-sitters to buyers, this could be money well spent.)

So what about NADA? With owner consultants, one can reduce the ability of NADA to restrict sales and otherwise interfere with Tesla, regardless of legislation particulars. I don't claim to have thought through the best way to position owner consultants from a legal perspective (and would be very appreciative of someone more knowledgeable than I to think that through), but it certainly would give Tesla more room to maneuver.

Well, I've had my say. Hopefully others could help to improve these ideas into something fully viable. One final thought, though. In the long run, think of the dilemma it could pose for traditional dealers. There is no way they could match this superior selling experience, because of the conflicts it would create with their existing channels and salespeople, and the superior customer loyalty that Tesla evokes. That is the very essence of a sustainable competitive advantage: the competitor is simply unable to respond.

Game over, NADA. Perhaps, as Tim Draper suggested, it really is time for other car companies to move into a different line of business.

* with apologies (well, not really) to BMW. ]]> Tesla Motors strangethingintheland http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16888-TMW-(Tesla-Member-Works)-the-Ultimate-Buying-Machine* What does the Stock offering mean for the Model X/Gen. 3/? http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16887-What-does-the-Stock-offering-mean-for-the-Model-X-Gen-3?goto=newpost Thu, 16 May 2013 23:34:24 GMT With Tesla raising close to a billion dollars what does that mean for the pace of expansion at Tesla. I'd love to know your thoughts on how this affects future models and superchargers and other projects Tesla has planned. ]]> Tesla Motors BenTesla http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16887-What-does-the-Stock-offering-mean-for-the-Model-X-Gen-3 US Autodealers vs Tesla http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16833-US-Autodealers-vs-Tesla?goto=newpost Wed, 15 May 2013 13:38:03 GMT First Texas: http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16132-Texas-House-Committee-Gives-Tesla-Motors-a-Chance Now North Carolina:... First Texas:
http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showt...otors-a-Chance

Now North Carolina:
http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoram...194223800.html ]]> Tesla Motors malcolm http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16833-US-Autodealers-vs-Tesla <![CDATA[Tesla "traffic" since the Q1 financials were released]]> http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16820-Tesla-quot-traffic-quot-since-the-Q1-financials-were-released?goto=newpost Wed, 15 May 2013 04:09:44 GMT My YouTube channel (which was getting about 600 views a day) increased to 900 a day (and has remained there) since 5/9 ... Anyone else have similar... My YouTube channel (which was getting about 600 views a day) increased to 900 a day (and has remained there) since 5/9 ...
Anyone else have similar sites/stats? Seems to have raised awareness as I've not touched my channel in any way for a while now ... ]]> Tesla Motors cinergi http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16820-Tesla-quot-traffic-quot-since-the-Q1-financials-were-released Interesting Poll Results http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16780-Interesting-Poll-Results?goto=newpost Tue, 14 May 2013 01:45:37 GMT I have run two polls on my Model S blog, one several weeks ago that's closed and another that's ongoing. I find the results pretty interesting and not what I expected. The poll from a few weeks ago asked if people were considering buying a Tesla, and if so which one. Interesting that the Model X is close to the S (and this on my Model S blog):

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The second asked if they were not planning on buying one, why were they hesitating:

Name: Screen Shot 2013-05-13 at 8.38.13 PM.png Views: 437 Size: 49.8 KB

Also fascinating. As of this sampling, range was not an issue, and neither was charge time. OK, it's probably fair to say these are statistically invalid, but they are a little interesting. I'll keep the second poll open a little longer if folks want to vote.
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]]> Tesla Motors Cattledog http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16780-Interesting-Poll-Results Effects of X-Class Solar Flares on EVs? http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16751-Effects-of-X-Class-Solar-Flares-on-EVs?goto=newpost Mon, 13 May 2013 13:05:52 GMT Any Effects?

(Considering that Elon's other company is SpaceX, I'm assuming he should be well aware of this... I hope..) ]]> Tesla Motors twinklejet http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16751-Effects-of-X-Class-Solar-Flares-on-EVs Electric Car Charging in Municipal Parking Garages http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16669-Electric-Car-Charging-in-Municipal-Parking-Garages?goto=newpost Fri, 10 May 2013 19:30:34 GMT Today I sent the following e-mail to the Director of Public Works for Arlington Heights, a large suburb of Chicago. Copies were sent to the mayor and... Today I sent the following e-mail to the Director of Public Works for Arlington Heights, a large suburb of Chicago. Copies were sent to the mayor and trustees. Others in a similar circumstance may want to write to public officials in their towns.

Dear Mr. Shirley:

Consumer Reports wrote yesterday that the all-electric Tesla Model S may be the best car ever: http://news.consumerreports.org/cars...oring-car.html

This week the city council of Normal, Illinois voted to allow Tesla Motors to install ten free Supercharger stations in the city parking deck.

As a resident of a downtown Arlington Heights high-rise, I park overnight in a village parking garage. I would love to purchase a Tesla Model S, but cannot due to the inability to recharge in a village garage. I’d appreciate it if our village would work with Tesla Motors to bring our parking garages into the 21st century.

Regards,
Curt Renz ]]> Tesla Motors Curt Renz http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16669-Electric-Car-Charging-in-Municipal-Parking-Garages <![CDATA[This is how Elon should make the "no profit from service" work]]> http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16606-This-is-how-Elon-should-make-the-quot-no-profit-from-service-quot-work?goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 05:01:39 GMT Since Elon made the announcement that Tesla should break even on their service center work, I've been thinking about how he could do that and prove to his customers and shareholders his commitment to that ideal.

I believe that Tesla should run the service centers in the black for the year than "rebate" back the profit amount to the owners that purchased service plans. The more expensive a plan purchased, the higher the rebate.

This move should encourage more owners to purchase better service plans and allow Tesla to properly staff the centers so great service can become the Tesla legacy.

What other car company or dealer does that for their clients? Can you imagine the customer loyalty a move like that would create? ]]> Tesla Motors jeff_adams http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16606-This-is-how-Elon-should-make-the-quot-no-profit-from-service-quot-work TM could earn 250 million from selling CA Environmental Credits http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16546-TM-could-earn-250-million-from-selling-CA-Environmental-Credits?goto=newpost Tue, 07 May 2013 06:57:47 GMT Tesla to earn $250 million from sales of California environmental credits - Autoblog... Tesla to earn $250 million from sales of California environmental credits - Autoblog

Nice! ]]> Tesla Motors AMPd http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16546-TM-could-earn-250-million-from-selling-CA-Environmental-Credits LA Times article regarding ZEV credits - Somewhat misleading http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16528-LA-Times-article-regarding-ZEV-credits-Somewhat-misleading?goto=newpost Mon, 06 May 2013 15:45:52 GMT Tesla drives California environmental credits to the bank - latimes.com... Tesla drives California environmental credits to the bank - latimes.com

Opening paragraph:
Quote:
When Tesla Motors reports its first-ever profit Wednesday, much of the money will come courtesy of the state of California.
Quote:
In its zeal to push electric cars into the market, the state has created a system in which Tesla can make as much as $35,000 extra on each sale of its luxury Model S electric sports sedans...
Quote:
The credits, coupled with state and federal incentives to buyers, can add as much $45,000 for each Model S sold.
They really make it sound like $45K for each car comes from the government, which is very misleading. Also, that $35,000 number seems high, I thought the credits sold to other manufacturers was much lower? ]]> Tesla Motors mcornwell http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16528-LA-Times-article-regarding-ZEV-credits-Somewhat-misleading Tesla is changing hearts and minds. http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16525-Tesla-is-changing-hearts-and-minds?goto=newpost Mon, 06 May 2013 14:32:07 GMT As some of you may remember, the evening after my test drive at the LA get amped event, I posted a glowing review of the Model S on another forum.... As some of you may remember, the evening after my test drive at the LA get amped event, I posted a glowing review of the Model S on another forum. This particular forum is a firearms enthusiast forum, and is made up of people who generally hard right-wing politically, think global warming is a scam, hate the government loaning money to green companies, and have the EV tax credits. Most importantly, they love their ICE vehicles almost as much as they love their firearms (for the record, I fit in very well with this group, with the exception of the ICE vehicle part)

As you can imagine, my initial thread was met with lots of pretty vocal critics of Tesla, and of EV's in general. For those who read that thread, you know how heated it got at times. At that time, I would guess that maybee only 10% of the members of that forum were open to the idea of owning an EV.

What a difference a year makes.

In the past week, there have been 3-4 threads created by other users on that forum about the Model S. Now, instead of harsh criticism, the general attitude on this forum is of great interest in the vehicle. The numbers have changed from 90% thinking that only a left wing, tree hugging, Obama loving, gun grabbing Marxist would want a Model S, to 90% of the forum admitting that it is an awesome car, and that they would love to have one themselves.

By making an incredible product, Tesla has started to win over hearts and minds. If the group of people who frequent this gun forum can be convinced, anyone can. This whole electric car thing might end up being bigger than any of us realize.


No real point to this thread, I just though I would share with the crew here a small piece of anecdotal evidence that shows that we are making real progress. ]]> Tesla Motors Rifleman http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16525-Tesla-is-changing-hearts-and-minds Sales tax and other fees result in a about 10% higher amount for monthly payments!!!! http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16523-Sales-tax-and-other-fees-result-in-a-about-10-higher-amount-for-monthly-payments!!!!?goto=newpost Mon, 06 May 2013 09:59:09 GMT On the Financing page of the Tesla Motors website, we see three different Tesla Model S cars, in 3 different colours. The car on the left side is... On the Financing page of the Tesla Motors website, we see three different Tesla Model S cars, in 3 different colours.

The car on the left side is black and has a 60 kWh battery pack, and the estimated monthly payment is 916 USD. With no options!
The car in the middle is blue and has a 85 kWh battery pack, and the estimated monthly payment is 1,045 USD. With no options!
The car on the right is red and has a 85 kWh battery pack (and is the Performance model), and the estimated monthly payment is 1,239 USD. With no options!

The monthly payment will be higher if the customer chooses any options.

But even if the buyer doesn't chooses any options, the amount for the monthly payments will still be about 10% higher, because of:
- sales tax (about 9%);
- registration, transfer and titling fees (about $655);
- tire fee (about $7). ]]> Tesla Motors Benz http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16523-Sales-tax-and-other-fees-result-in-a-about-10-higher-amount-for-monthly-payments!!!! <![CDATA[A very nice article about the future prospects of Tesla Motors. It's worth reading it]]> http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16499-A-very-nice-article-about-the-future-prospects-of-Tesla-Motors-It-s-worth-reading-it?goto=newpost Sun, 05 May 2013 08:37:27 GMT Here is the link: http://www.proactiveinvestors.com/columns/casey-research/3822/what-is-tesla-motors-worth-3822.html Here is the link:

http://www.proactiveinvestors.com/co...orth-3822.html ]]> Tesla Motors Benz http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16499-A-very-nice-article-about-the-future-prospects-of-Tesla-Motors-It-s-worth-reading-it 5/3/13 Announcement press release up http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16446-5-3-13-Announcement-press-release-up?goto=newpost Fri, 03 May 2013 17:15:50 GMT http://www.teslamotors.com/about/press/releases/tesla-improves-financing-product-best-resale-value-guarantee-and-lower-monthly- http://www.teslamotors.com/about/pre...lower-monthly- ]]> Tesla Motors Cosmacelf http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16446-5-3-13-Announcement-press-release-up Tesla Hires a New VP of Vehicle Engineering http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16434-Tesla-Hires-a-New-VP-of-Vehicle-Engineering?goto=newpost Fri, 03 May 2013 13:58:31 GMT Chris Porritt, formerly chief platform manager for Aston Martin, has joined Tesla. This looks to fill the void when Peter Rawlinson left the... Chris Porritt, formerly chief platform manager for Aston Martin, has joined Tesla.

This looks to fill the void when Peter Rawlinson left the company in early 2012.

Tesla Hires New Engineering VP From Luxury Maker Aston Martin ]]> Tesla Motors mcornwell http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16434-Tesla-Hires-a-New-VP-of-Vehicle-Engineering 20% of all drivers will eventually own a Tesla http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16412-20-of-all-drivers-will-eventually-own-a-Tesla?goto=newpost Thu, 02 May 2013 21:28:55 GMT Just came out of a meeting with 15 people. Before it started we were randomly chatting and realized 3 people around the table had a Model S. Wow! ... Just came out of a meeting with 15 people. Before it started we were randomly chatting and realized 3 people around the table had a Model S. Wow!

Now let's get that extrapolated to the population as a whole, shall we. :biggrin: ]]> Tesla Motors deonb http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16412-20-of-all-drivers-will-eventually-own-a-Tesla <![CDATA[Tesla to make announcement tomorrow [5/3/2013]]]> http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16402-Tesla-to-make-announcement-tomorrow-5-3-2013?goto=newpost Thu, 02 May 2013 18:08:35 GMT https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/330017552120033282 Let the speculation.... BEGIN! :wink: https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/330017552120033282

Let the speculation.... BEGIN! :wink: ]]> Tesla Motors Lyon http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16402-Tesla-to-make-announcement-tomorrow-5-3-2013 Article: Why Apple Should Buy Tesla http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16395-Article-Why-Apple-Should-Buy-Tesla?goto=newpost Thu, 02 May 2013 14:37:45 GMT I think that the author's suggestion (Apple buy Tesla, name Elon Musk CEO of APPLE and Tim Cook goes back as COO) would be VERY positive for Apple!!

But as an investor in Tesla, I think it would limit the potential upside. What do you guys think?

http://mobile.bloomberg.com/news/201...tml?cmpid=yhoo ]]> Tesla Motors slyastro http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16395-Article-Why-Apple-Should-Buy-Tesla <![CDATA[If you're tired of buying schwag from the Tesla Motors store]]> http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16346-If-you-re-tired-of-buying-schwag-from-the-Tesla-Motors-store?goto=newpost Wed, 01 May 2013 08:11:16 GMT Here's a T-shirt for a change of pace:

Tesla Edison Shirt - The Oatmeal
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]]> Tesla Motors Plug Me In http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16346-If-you-re-tired-of-buying-schwag-from-the-Tesla-Motors-store <![CDATA[Tesla "Coupe" outselling the Volt]]> http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16271-Tesla-quot-Coupe-quot-outselling-the-Volt?goto=newpost Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:28:22 GMT I find it amazing that 99% of the world doesn't realize that the Model S is a sedan made in California. At least, the numbers are good though. Outselling the volt, the leaf, and from other sources most othe luxury sedans and coupes.

http://www.fool.com/investing/genera...tpullnk0000001 ]]> Tesla Motors walla2 http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16271-Tesla-quot-Coupe-quot-outselling-the-Volt Positive Publicity on Service Announcement http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16251-Positive-Publicity-on-Service-Announcement?goto=newpost Sat, 27 Apr 2013 19:37:52 GMT Since the announcement yesterday, many financial news services have reported positively about it: Positive sales news, with a bit of skepticism... Since the announcement yesterday, many financial news services have reported positively about it:

Positive sales news, with a bit of skepticism from some financial analysts at some random, nameless firm:
Tesla Model S Tops GM Volt in North American Plug-In Race - Businessweek

Coverage of yesterday's announcement:
Tesla offers idiot-proof battery warranty - Apr. 26, 2013

Click-through of green cars, top article (hero image, etc) of the site.
6 greenest cars made in America - 2013 Tesla Model S (3) - FORTUNE

Coverage *and* some speculation on 500 mile range batteries. Plus, they understand the concept of Tesla being a 1-stop shop and the profit potential in that. Great analysis.
Tesla: Better Warranty? Check! Upgradeable Cars? Sure! 500-Mile Batteries? Maybe Soon! - Forbes

More 500 mile range battery speculation for investors:
Tesla Hints At 500-Mile Battery, But For Today's Owners? TSLA - Investors.com


Positive article about the announcement and what it means. Some analyst saying positive things about Musk and his strategies being revolutionary:
Tesla Model S outsold Volt, Leaf but Musk talks about car service - latimes.com

There's many others. At the very least, this is simply great marketing by Tesla. Their name is getting everywhere and it's created more of a buzz and the order of announcements has been great:

1) We're making money, so we will be around for awhile
2) Here's an easier way to get the car
3) And don't worry about the battery bricking

I should add that these articles are often on the front page or in the "Most Popular" box of the various sites. ]]> Tesla Motors ShortSlaver http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16251-Positive-Publicity-on-Service-Announcement Elon Musk: Tesla Service division has to work at no loss and no profit. That is good. http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16242-Elon-Musk-Tesla-Service-division-has-to-work-at-no-loss-and-no-profit-That-is-good?goto=newpost Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:33:15 GMT Service has to be great, because great service will sell cars in the future, as customers will remain with the same brand when they will buy their... Service has to be great, because great service will sell cars in the future, as customers will remain with the same brand when they will buy their next car. This is true, we all do acknowledge that. And by saying that Tesla Service has to work at no loss no profit, Elon Musk does really express that he wants that owners of Tesla EV's do experience great service.

My question is, is it possible to verify if the Tesla Service Division has made a loss or a profit? And how much?

At the earnings call maybe?
Or at the annual meeting of shareholders? ]]> Tesla Motors Benz http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16242-Elon-Musk-Tesla-Service-division-has-to-work-at-no-loss-and-no-profit-That-is-good tesla on front cover again http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16230-tesla-on-front-cover-again?goto=newpost Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:42:17 GMT FYI: Tesla have once again made it to the front cover of a car magasin this time in denmark/EU Attachment 20823... FYI:
Tesla have once again made it to the front cover of a car magasin
this time in denmark/EU
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the headline translate to "Tesla Model S is the future. Revolution, Finaly an electric car which you can use"

- - - Updated - - -

here is a link to the article (translated with google translate to english)
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]]> Tesla Motors NielsChr http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16230-tesla-on-front-cover-again Media Announcement 2013/04/26 http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16227-Media-Announcement-2013-04-26?goto=newpost Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:08:48 GMT Sorry, mods, I lost track of where the active thread is. Please feel free to move this to wherever. Sorry for the inconvenience. Rough live... Sorry, mods, I lost track of where the active thread is. Please feel free to move this to wherever. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Rough live notes...



(Service) Media Announcement

several things, 4 in particular
1 - Loaners, full loaded cars, all the latest options, probably better than the car you are driving. will be immediately available for purchase a discounted rate ($1/mi I think he said). (something about) an option to have the Roadster as your loaner if available.
2 - Valet service, car seamlessly switched out at your home/work ... wherever you are. Same at return of your car. Invisible / better than invisible service.
3 - Annual service contract optional. No oil, fewer brake pad replacements. Annual checkup entirely optional. Warranty is still valid if car never brought in.
4 - Battery. Expensive and important part. Will protect itself. If something goes wrong, it's Tesla fault not the customers. Complete piece of mind even if you never read or followed instructions in the manual.


Questions

1. From customers, is service a weak spot? Or what is driving the news today.
Service is ok but not great. Needs to be great. What's the service and warranty program you wish you could have from any carmaker? That's the perspective we were evaluating from.

2. More detail on unconditional warranty. Replace no questions ask? No cost to user? Transferable when owner sells the car.
Wouldn't apply for example if you take a blow torch to the battery pack, blow it up, target practice. Covered unless you intentionally try to destroy it. Complete piece of mind for the owner (is the goal). Shouldn't have to worry about whether you read the manual. Any product that needs a manual to work is broken. It does transfer to whoever buys it.

2b. Will this allow future proofing? If you build a better can a new owner get the better battery under the warranty.
We will replace with something as good or better. (He didn't fully answer the question.)

3. How many Model S be built for the service loaner fleet? And will that be incremental.
Over time, a lot. Initial batch about 100. Incremental to the 20k per yet (not subtractive). Probably build several hundred for worldwide consumption. It'll be whatever the number is needed to ensure that customers have a good experience.

3b. How many will be placed at each retail location?
Service locations. Vary according to customers serviced out of that location. Anywhere from 2 to 10.

4. Approximately how long will vehicles be in the service fleet before rotating out. Miles? Time?
Want to make sure that the service loaners are newish. Don't want an aging fleet of used cars. Adjust pricing so that service loaner fleet is 2-3 months old.

5. Battery warranty length not changed, correct?
Yes, 8 years. "No fault warranty." (I think he chose those words carefully.)

6. If the customer likes the loaner better than their own car, how would the pricing work?
They would pay the price differential. Adjusted by age/mileage relative to the car they've got.

7. Any battery studies or analysis factor into the announcement today or the personal backing a few weeks ago re: trade-in?
Overarching principle is giving people peace of mind. Existing or new customers. Wanting them to have happiest possible transport experience.

7b. It wasn't based on recent additional analysis of the battery (internally)?
We have yet to have a single battery pack dies at the module level. Contactors and chips have broken. But literally zero battery pack failures at module or cell level.

7c. Any accordianing (sp?) going on with demand? (Something about demand at the low end.)
I'm going through piece by piece. We want to make each of the pieces of as good as we can. The transport experience... I've told the service division is that there job is never to make a profit. (He didn't like his phrasing after stating it, but you get the gist.) The service division of Tesla is under instruction to operate the business at the zero profit point. Don't service the cars and try to make money off people. "Maximize service not minimize."

8. What problems drove the announcement?
Not driven by a tactical (tactile?) issue with the cars.

8b. Not a lot of complaints about service from owners?
Varies... parts of the country. We didn't quite anticipate the right mixture of product in every market. Late in permitting in L.A. for example. Some examples ... not good. Unrelated to this announcement. This announcement is about stepping back and evaluating the best way to do service and warranty.

9. If I were a Model S and I get this loaner I like better. How you prorate? Mileage and age? (Same as question 6.)
(I missed the answer mostly because I was bored with the question. Nothing surprising or interesting about the answer. Elon was fine, but the question didn't do much for me.)

10. To what extent was this problem to allay broader EV concerns about range anxiety, etc.? Do you expect the service program to encourage and spur sales going forward?
This isn't attempting to address the range issue. Supercharger announcement in a week or two. Attempted to address ... what happens if my battery dies. What if I make a mistake ... the manual. Even if you do something wrong, unless you intentionally try to destroy the battery pack you'll be covered.

Mandatory service fee was a mistake, and is being corrected.

Future sales... I think this is very important for long term sales.

11. I would assume these are going to be policies you are going to be carrying forward to the Model X and products to come. Can you talk about that? You've suggested here future upgraded batteries. Will you at some point come up with a program where somebody wants to buy an upgraded battery?
There's a good chance something like what you're saying could occur. Our interval period for significant technology step changes is about 4-5 years.

11b. It would be reasonable for us to say you are considering within the lifetime of a (current) Model S?
Yes, that's a pretty good likelihood. I love upgrades. Today isn't about that but it would be a logical thing in the future.

11c. (Repeat of question about Model X, etc.)
Third generation I'm hopefully we'll be able to do all these things, but may have to unbundle some of thes things to make the car more affordable. Aspirationally we'd like to include all these things. Will be a certainty with the Model X.

11d. ... AWD has become a requirement in some key sections of the market. Is AWD something you're considering?
We've said the Model X will have a revolutionary AWD with dual motors, dynamically shifting torque at the millisecond level.

11e. (Shrugging off the Model X...) Is AWD something you'd foresee as more broadly across your lineup?
I don't want to say anything definitive but I certainly share your sentiment. ]]> Tesla Motors brianman http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16227-Media-Announcement-2013-04-26 <![CDATA[JB Straubel describes Tesla's engineering culture and future developments]]> http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16189-JB-Straubel-describes-Tesla-s-engineering-culture-and-future-developments?goto=newpost Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:15:01 GMT The April 2, 2013 issue of Automotive Engineering International has an article with Tesla's CTO discussing their engineering culture. He also discusses future developments, which can be summarized as:

1) more software configurability, such as driver adjustable regen
2) replace exterior mirrors with cameras. Tesla is working to convince regulators to allow this
3) lower cost, more energy dense batteries. "If you look at the physics, there is no good reason why better nanoscale engineering couldn't make a battery with energy density approaching chemical fuels."
4) tesla will continue to offer a choice of battery sizes


Here is a link, but it might require a digital suscription to the magazine to work:

Login to SAE International

GSP

PS. The link works for me, and takes me directly to page 20 where the JB Straubel article starts. However, I have a suscription to the magazine and probably automatically logging in. Does the link work for anyone else? ]]> Tesla Motors GSP http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16189-JB-Straubel-describes-Tesla-s-engineering-culture-and-future-developments <![CDATA[Tesla's new Strategy?!?!?]]> http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16176-Tesla-s-new-Strategy-!-!?goto=newpost Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:03:18 GMT I am betting large displacement naturally aspirated big block engines. @ElonMusk just tweeted: Announcement of new @TeslaMotors strategy... I am betting large displacement naturally aspirated big block engines.

@ElonMusk just tweeted:

Announcement of new @TeslaMotors strategy tomorrow. Tesla owners will like this.
http://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/327450627397537792 ]]> Tesla Motors ElSupreme http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16176-Tesla-s-new-Strategy-!-! Fisker helps prove that auto dealerships are useless http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16161-Fisker-helps-prove-that-auto-dealerships-are-useless?goto=newpost Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:51:47 GMT Currently, there are franchise laws... Currently, there are franchise laws in almost every state requiring car manufacturers to go through dealerships in order to sell their cars. Tesla wants to sell direct but auto dealer groups are fighting them every step of the way claiming that dealerships are necessary to protect consumers. Tim Jackson, president of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association makes the following argument,

"Independent dealerships usually continue in business to provide service even if an auto company or brand shuts down the supply of new cars. If Tesla were to fail, he pointed out, it would close all its company-owned stores and service facilities, leaving Tesla owners without recourse. Owners of Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs, HUMMERs, Saabs, Daewoos, Isuzus, and other vanished makes got varying access to service and parts through independent dealerships long after they disappeared from the market, he maintained."

Well, as it turns out, if a car manufacturer such as Fisker is about to go bankrupt, two things will happen in regards to the auto dealership who sold you your vehicle. First, the dealership won't help honor the warranty. Mike Sullivan, the owner of eight auto dealerships including Fisker Santa Monica has suspended doing any Fisker warranty work as of April 9, 2013 because parts were not available and they were no longer getting reimbursed for performing warranty work. Source

Two, they will service your car but will charge you a premium. This can be seen in various complaints over the FiskerBuzz where a Fisker owner paid $225 to fix loose wiring and another paid $415 to repair a window channel that came loose. Keep in mind that these faults are covered in the warranty, not from auto damage or misuse.

Please consider signing this white house petition: Overturn franchise laws that limit auto manufacturers from selling their vehicles directly to consumers. | We the People: Your Voice in Our Government ]]> Tesla Motors InsanityWolf http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16161-Fisker-helps-prove-that-auto-dealerships-are-useless Virginia joins list of states forbidding Tesla sales http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16140-Virginia-joins-list-of-states-forbidding-Tesla-sales?goto=newpost Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:07:11 GMT If you had wondered, as I had, what was taking so long to open the Tyson's Corner store, this morning's news provided at least part of the answer. Tesla is fighting the ubiquitous dealership monopoly here as well as elsewhere that is trying to thwart the TSLA store model. While successful until now in the VA battle, they have encountered an obstacle with the VA DMV, of all things. They have forbidden Tesla to open a storefront at Tyson's, seeing it as being in violation of state regs on automotive dealerships. Let us hope this is very temporary. ]]> Tesla Motors Miuaiga http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16140-Virginia-joins-list-of-states-forbidding-Tesla-sales Center of the NY Times crossword http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16136-Center-of-the-NY-Times-crossword?goto=newpost Wed, 24 Apr 2013 06:09:18 GMT So ya think getting the center clue on the Wednesday NY Times crossword counts as advertising? :) Attachment 20693... So ya think getting the center clue on the Wednesday NY Times crossword counts as advertising? :)

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]]> Tesla Motors MrOteece http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/16136-Center-of-the-NY-Times-crossword