The Menlo Park sales/service center - Page 16

Kevin Harney · 04-13-2009, 12:00 PM

I have a feeling that when they are not hand built it will take longer to get the kinks out ...

James · 04-13-2009, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vfx

Getting the kinks out takes about 300 cars. Well below the 1000 or 2000 Signature series Model S.

I am willing to wager that they do not yet have 300 orders for the Signature Series. I think over 80% of their 700 orders are at the $5,000 deposit level.

I might upgrade to a Signature Series later, once it is defined as to the options and pricing. But I would not risk having an early Signature Model S. I would want one of the ones produced near the end of 1,000. VIN #999 would be perfect.

Kevin Harney · 04-13-2009, 01:27 PM

I am not sure that they will have enough orders to keep the Signature Series. I really don't see the great value that it had with the Roadster. This is not the first highway capable electric car. Not that much of a collectors edition to me though I am sure it will have some value 20 or 30 years from now.

Iz · 04-13-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vfx

Getting the kinks out takes about 300 cars. Well below the 1000 or 2000 Signature series Model S.

Also have to factor in lessons learned from the Roadster. Model S should benefit from business process improvements made as a result of Roadster production.

Kevin Harney · 04-13-2009, 01:41 PM

Yes but people hand building Roadsters have pride in their work and will report issues. Robots do not do the same thing. They will continue to build it wrong until you reprogram them.

vfx · 04-13-2009, 02:41 PM

Exactly what do the robots do? The are used to make parts like machining castings, punching and molding rubber and plastic and electronic bits. These parts get made by vendors and are installed on assembly lines.

As for the line of cars, robots weld steel frames but the Model S is a glued aluminum car. Robots stamp steels of metal -probably a lot fewer of them on a CF body. Robots paint cars better than humans. Even Ferrari prefers robot painting.

Robots have nothing to do with a poor quality car. They are tools like anything else. On the line the Robotic or CNC programmer/operator, the Quality Control department checking the work, and the management team that supports perfection is what makes a problem free item