As a pending M3 owner waiting for VIN, I have never had a chance to touch or sit in a 3 before plunking down my deposit. Today I figured I'd drive by Rocklin again to see if any new 3's came in, maybe see one up close. Walking into the showroom, I was greeted by the usual nice younger fellow who was explaining they still don't have any on display, but there was a customer car just prepped, about to be delivered today. They had that car outside of the gated area, but roped off. He said I could lean in and look close, but made it clear DON'T TOUCH. Disappointing, but no problem, I respect other people's stuff. I take the opportunity to get 1-2 feet closer than I ever have before (when behind a fence). After maybe 30 seconds, as I find an angle to barely see the dash over the window glare, I snap a quick pic to show my wife (my phone got maybe 1/4" from driver's window, not even the VIN area). Right then, another Tesla employee comes rushing out, "sir you can't do that." I told him the other guy said I could look and even lean over the rope, just do not touch... Is there a problem? To which he replied, "the owner of that car is in here and you're worrying him". Nothing about the pic, just that I was too close for comfort. I restrained my urge to just go off (may have mumbled something about spending $50K on a car I can't even LOOK AT), but I really understand this isn't Tesla's fault - they were doing what they had to do for this customer. I respected their wishes, quickly left, and tried to let it go... but it was eating at me the whole way home. Aren't we supposed to be like a family? Every Telsa owner I've talked to has been friendly, and wants to share this amazing Tesla experience so many of us have come to know first hand (many who made sacrifices to do so).
So I am directing this to that person, and I hope you read these forums:
Sir/Maam, were you really "worried" or "scared" of me being inches from your car while at the showroom in front of everyone? What was it that worried you exactly? Do you plan to hire a guard to stand by when parked at the grocery store? Shouldn't we be spreading the word, encouraging people, and showing off all the reasons we are part of this "club" in the first place!? If I had been in the office finalizing paperwork and saw you oogling over my M3, I may have initially thought "hey don't touch my car!", but quickly, especially when you are shunned by a Tesla employee due to me, I would've jumped up and struck a conversation. Who else would be oogling over the only M3 not hidden in the back except another eager fan, who obviously wasn't there to key my car!? Even if I was tied up with paperwork, I would have asked the Tesla employee going out there to say "hang out for a bit, the owner wants to show you the car when they're done". I probably would even have offered to let you sit in it (after I got my first sit, of course) and probably even taken a ride around the block. As Tesla owners, EV fans, and car enthusiast, we should all understand the unique time and position we're in, and have an innate sense of comradery. Or do I just expect too much from humanity? It has been difficult writing this without using explosive expletives to describe you, but perhaps I rushed to judgement. Do you have an explanation? I hope this was just an isolated incident and you really do give a &$%#. Please share your Tesla experience with everyone you can.
I will now make a point on my M3 delivery day to walk around, talk to customers, and ask if anyone wants to see it. And anyone reading this who wants to touch/feel/sit/ride/whatever once I have my M3, you are welcome to do so!!!! Just send a PM.
Cheers to the family...
So I am directing this to that person, and I hope you read these forums:
Sir/Maam, were you really "worried" or "scared" of me being inches from your car while at the showroom in front of everyone? What was it that worried you exactly? Do you plan to hire a guard to stand by when parked at the grocery store? Shouldn't we be spreading the word, encouraging people, and showing off all the reasons we are part of this "club" in the first place!? If I had been in the office finalizing paperwork and saw you oogling over my M3, I may have initially thought "hey don't touch my car!", but quickly, especially when you are shunned by a Tesla employee due to me, I would've jumped up and struck a conversation. Who else would be oogling over the only M3 not hidden in the back except another eager fan, who obviously wasn't there to key my car!? Even if I was tied up with paperwork, I would have asked the Tesla employee going out there to say "hang out for a bit, the owner wants to show you the car when they're done". I probably would even have offered to let you sit in it (after I got my first sit, of course) and probably even taken a ride around the block. As Tesla owners, EV fans, and car enthusiast, we should all understand the unique time and position we're in, and have an innate sense of comradery. Or do I just expect too much from humanity? It has been difficult writing this without using explosive expletives to describe you, but perhaps I rushed to judgement. Do you have an explanation? I hope this was just an isolated incident and you really do give a &$%#. Please share your Tesla experience with everyone you can.
I will now make a point on my M3 delivery day to walk around, talk to customers, and ask if anyone wants to see it. And anyone reading this who wants to touch/feel/sit/ride/whatever once I have my M3, you are welcome to do so!!!! Just send a PM.
Cheers to the family...
