An opinion:
In a few short years, we will look back and conclude that Tesla squandered their opportunity to maintain the leader role in EV development. No one can dispute that technologically, Tesla was on the leading edge ..... way out in front of all the competition. No other manufacturer was even close. Most everyone loves the appearance, handling and performance of Tesla vehicles ... especially the 3.
Unfortunately, QC did not develop in "lock-step" with the design, innovative engineering and technology. Tesla delivered vehicles that should never have left the factory; so many QC issues surfaced that Service Centers became overwhelmed. Insurance carriers raised the premiums because of long delays in obtaining parts, at the same time that more and more articles were appearing on the Internet revealing quality issues. True, some vehicles were delivered with fewer QC issues, but it was a "crap-shoot" if a buyer got one of the good ones ... or one with QC issues. Few can explain how or why such inconsistence can occur, especially when the basic assembly is performed by robots. But even robot assembled vehicles require Inspectors to observe, measure and identify QC issues. That has to be the area where Tesla "dropped the ball." Too many vehicles are being given a "pass" by the QC inspectors. And, it's not a "Made in America" question. High quality vehicles are being assembled in the Carolinas, Kentucky and elsewhere. it has to be "employee indifference" at the California assembly plant. "Leave it to the Service Centers to correct the defects."
Meanwhile, most other manufacturers are now bringing EV's into the market place, and some with impressive battery, range and charging qualifications. Automotive magazines have examined these offerings, and are praising their design, QC and performance.
Finally, there are reports that Tesla has improved the QC. We all hope so. Tesla still has the game winning edge .... but the opponents are "moving the ball" and could easily "tie" the score.
In a few short years, we will look back and conclude that Tesla squandered their opportunity to maintain the leader role in EV development. No one can dispute that technologically, Tesla was on the leading edge ..... way out in front of all the competition. No other manufacturer was even close. Most everyone loves the appearance, handling and performance of Tesla vehicles ... especially the 3.
Unfortunately, QC did not develop in "lock-step" with the design, innovative engineering and technology. Tesla delivered vehicles that should never have left the factory; so many QC issues surfaced that Service Centers became overwhelmed. Insurance carriers raised the premiums because of long delays in obtaining parts, at the same time that more and more articles were appearing on the Internet revealing quality issues. True, some vehicles were delivered with fewer QC issues, but it was a "crap-shoot" if a buyer got one of the good ones ... or one with QC issues. Few can explain how or why such inconsistence can occur, especially when the basic assembly is performed by robots. But even robot assembled vehicles require Inspectors to observe, measure and identify QC issues. That has to be the area where Tesla "dropped the ball." Too many vehicles are being given a "pass" by the QC inspectors. And, it's not a "Made in America" question. High quality vehicles are being assembled in the Carolinas, Kentucky and elsewhere. it has to be "employee indifference" at the California assembly plant. "Leave it to the Service Centers to correct the defects."
Meanwhile, most other manufacturers are now bringing EV's into the market place, and some with impressive battery, range and charging qualifications. Automotive magazines have examined these offerings, and are praising their design, QC and performance.
Finally, there are reports that Tesla has improved the QC. We all hope so. Tesla still has the game winning edge .... but the opponents are "moving the ball" and could easily "tie" the score.