Tesla Increases Prices for Existing 2008 Orders - Page 13

dba · 01-21-2009, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James

I don't think it is too late to fix this. Perhaps Tesla Motors could reconsider and backup a bit. It is never too late to say, "oops, sorry we weren't thinking this through logically because of the rush going on at the Detroit Auto Show. Here is the fix."

I certainly wish this would be the case, but I have very little hope of it short of TM being forced into it by legal action. I have followed every public detail of this company since the beginning. I have heard Elon speak a number of times. I can not recall ever hearing or reading of Elon admitting that he made a mistake. The blame has always been placed on someone else. This action was initiated by Elon in the form of two emails from him. It would be very hard for him to not accept responsibility for this fiasco

vfx · 01-21-2009, 08:55 AM

Discussion about cars often show that the manufactures gamble at losses for the first (and more) year's model to get the ball rolling. The million selling Prius comes to mind.

If this business practice is as common as we have heard then Elon's insistence that he must show profitability on his first year's model is false. Especially if he can show that the cars are now making a profit.

doug · 01-21-2009, 09:03 AM

A couple more articles:

Tesla Snubs Customers for A Couple Million Dollars on Delayed Roadsters Earth2Tech

"Tesla Admits Huge Losses on First Cars, Boosts "Option" Prices to Recoup" Green Car Advisor

Quote:

Tesla spokeswoman Rachel Konrad said the company isn't afraid of a slew of breach of contract lawsuits because "we were very careful" from the beginning to say in all contracts "that prices can change."

It's kinda sad they have to make a statement like that.

(By the way, in the comments there is a Parker Lee or BettyLee that's taking the opportunity to spread FUD. A Kent sock puppet?)

DDB · 01-21-2009, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug

"Tesla Admits Huge Losses on First Cars, Boosts "Option" Prices to Recoup" Green Car Advisor

Quote:

Tesla spokeswoman Rachel Konrad said the company isn't afraid of a slew of breach of contract lawsuits because "we were very careful" from the beginning to say in all contracts "that prices can change."

It's kinda sad they have to make a statement like that.

You're not kidding... That's wonderful PR for you, "let our customers sue us, we're prepared with our mighty contracts to withstand a whole slew of them." I'd still rather represent an owner on this one. And with the numbers Tesla is talking (more than 25 affected), Tesla is actually ripe for a class action lawsuit. Just a heads-up.

Tdave · 01-21-2009, 10:15 AM

The buy page on the Tesla website for 2009 models STILL says, as it has for at least a year:

Quote:

$5000 refundable reservation fee starts the process and locks in price

What exactly is that supposed to mean if NOT that you lock in the price you will pay? I STILL don't get how they can change the price for people who have already given that deposit.

TEG · 01-21-2009, 10:36 AM

Quote:

why ...didn't he ... raise the lock-in prices in September 2008? Why did he wait until THIS WEEK to finally jack them up?

Guesses:

#1: The reality of the DOE loan situation didn't hit home until more recently.
#2: The $7,500 federal credit takes effect now to soften the blow.
#3: Customers past a certain date could have a different contract than the older ones.

Tdave · 01-21-2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TEG

#2: The $7,500 federal credit takes affect now to soften the blow.

It's still unclear (to me) whether the $7500 credit is subject to AMT. If so, then at least this buyer will see none of that $7500.

doug · 01-21-2009, 10:50 AM

Moderators Note: This thread has been fairly civil so far. I'd like to keep it that way.
The conversation is about a real issue that has many people legitimately upset. It is ok to vent, but please do so in a rational manner. Please don't resort to name calling or pulling in random off topic information. Thanks.