Tesla Layoffs and Management Changes - Page 9

TEG · 10-23-2008, 10:27 PM

I think the original plan called for sales of Roadster to fund development of future models... Doesn't work out if it isn't profitable.

vfx · 10-24-2008, 09:00 AM

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replacing the transmission handle with a button.

This is great! I always felt the vestigial gear shift knob was like Mauricio Wilson's appendage.

It should go the way of the Tach.

TEG · 10-24-2008, 09:22 AM

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Originally Posted by stopcrazypp

...replacing the transmission handle with a button...

Like the Dodge EV?

doug · 10-24-2008, 09:45 AM

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Originally Posted by stopcrazypp

From that article they say the Roadster was initially over budget by $40k. Didn't realize they were that over budget with the Roadster.

TTAC took this to mean that Tesla is losing $40K per car. Someone needs help with reading comprehension.

Tesla Death Watch 28: “Lost” $40k per Roadster, Reveals WhiteElephant’s Rump | The Truth About Cars

vfx · 10-24-2008, 10:30 AM

Motor Trend

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In what appears to be an attempt to counter the growing concern that the Model S is vaporware, hitting the Web today is a teaser showing a sneak peek of its Model S sedan

graham · 10-24-2008, 10:37 AM

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In what appears to be an attempt to counter the growing concern that the Model S is vaporware, hitting the Web today is a teaser showing a sneak peek of its Model S sedan

This is a reasonable concern as the Whitestar design has been set to be released "in about 3 months" for a year now. I am sure some are beginning to wonder if last weeks delay of the project are more from problems of the design than from just the economic woes given.

Cobos · 10-24-2008, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug

TTAC took this to mean that Tesla is losing $40K per car. Someone needs help with reading comprehension.

Tesla Death Watch 28: “Lost” $40k per Roadster, Reveals WhiteElephant’s Rump | The Truth About Cars

Especially since in that very same article it says they changed several of their suppliers which cut thousands of dollars off the production cost. I wouldn't be too sure they are making much money on each car, but I'm pretty sure we are talking at least $20 000 on the $119 price and probably upto $40k on each.

Cobos

vfx · 10-24-2008, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TEG

Like the Dodge EV?

I like the big knob idea.

bill · 10-24-2008, 11:56 AM

For the time being I don't see that Tesla has problems. Elon is making good financial moves. They are producing cars and should be fine through the end of 2009. Somewhere out here is where the problems could get tough. We have to count on roadster sales holding up through next year, maintaining a good backlog. ESS sales should help, but we're all in the dark about that side of the business. A major battery update might help trigger a new surge of sales. I think it's worth a try.

At the start of 2010, without whitestar and roadster sales, Tesla could be struggling. Right now all is fine. Let's enjoy the ride.

Cobos · 10-24-2008, 02:47 PM

I'm in agreement with Bill. Currently they should be doing great. They've got a big backlog for Roadster production and they are earning money on each Roadster. The problem as he said is when the most eager and the richest persons already have theirs. The people for whom $120 000 is a big outlay for a car but doable might think twice about the Roadster in 2009. Either they really want it and got it in 2008-2009 season or they decide they can't afford it. So 2010 would be essential, they might not be able to sell all the Roadsters they then can make each year.
Or perhaps the fact you can see it, drive it and take it home the same day will close the sale for many people. I don't know, and I'm not very good at predicting the future I suppose :)

Cobos