Tesla...Just Like DeLorean

[Ryan King]

Watching this video of the Tesla Factory really reminds me of the DeLorean factory...see if you can spot the similarities...

http://theweek.com/article/index/247078/watch-teslas-model-s-factory-is-run-by-a-mesmerizing-fleet-of-high-tech-robots

[Dangermouse]

I prefer the similarities to the McLaren factory


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U79MlLWJigU

[thirdmanj]

I prefer the similarities to the McLaren factory


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U79MlLWJigU

Man that shits sexy.

[dmc6960]

Elon Musk himself doesn't seem to like DeLoreans. I've heard him get upset about a comparison between Tesla and DeLorean in an interview a few years ago. I know some of the Cali DeLorean folks have toured the facility though, not like he's standing at the door turning them away.

I'm still an avid hardcore SpaceX fan though!

[Farrar]

Yeah, I don't think Musk would appreciate the comparison. :lol:

[delornut]

Watching this video of the Tesla Factory really reminds me of the DeLorean factory...see if you can spot the similarities...

http://theweek.com/article/index/247078/watch-teslas-model-s-factory-is-run-by-a-mesmerizing-fleet-of-high-tech-robots

I saw my first Telsa yesterday. I really like the styling but the video makes it sound like they re-invented automobile manufacturing. The Ford has several plants that use the same types of robots and stamping presses. The Michigan plant alone turns out 1,000 cars a day and can adjust the mix between hybrids, electrics and gas. I don't mean to knock Telsa, they're neat cars but they're only one of many auto assembly plants.

Bruce Benson

[Farrar]

*Tesla

[Chris4099]

Elon Musk himself doesn't seem to like DeLoreans. I've heard him get upset about a comparison between Tesla and DeLorean in an interview a few years ago. I know some of the Cali DeLorean folks have toured the facility though, not like he's standing at the door turning them away.

If I was running a start up car company, the last thing I would want is people to compare me to a failed start up car company! Owning both a Model S and a DeLorean, I myself can't help but compare the two. Fortunately they are going about it a bit smarter (Fisker had more in common with DMC then Tesla) and at least for now have a good looking future. Including the Roadster, they've now produced over 15,000 cars. Model S is now being shipped and delivered to Europe and Japan will be later this year.

I frequently make trips down to San Jose on business and plan to take a tour of the Fremont factory the next time I'm there. They give priority appointments to owners and reservation holders, but I've heard if they have space in the tour groups, they will give others a tour.

[martydmc12]

Elon Musk himself doesn't seem to like DeLoreans. I've heard him get upset about a comparison between Tesla and DeLorean in an interview a few years ago. I know some of the Cali DeLorean folks have toured the facility though, not like he's standing at the door turning them away.

That is a fact. Musk has publicly stated that the DeLorean was a miserable attempt at a car, and I even think he's bad-mouthed John Z. I'm to lazy to start googling the articles, but they're out there.

It's one thing to say that they don't want to be another DMC that goes out of business, but it's another to piss all over it completely, especially coming from a guy who's not an automotive engineer, etc. Not the mention the fact that Tesla did file for bankruptcy once already.

I like what Tesla's doing, I believe in the future of electric vehicles, I just don't like Musk.

[Chris4099]

Not the mention the fact that Tesla did file for bankruptcy once already.

Quick question, when did Tesla file for bankruptcy? I can't find any record or news article of that happening.

[Rich]

It's great that Tesla has surpassed the total production volume of the DeLorean, the former volume production recordholder for US-based startup car companies since who know's when. DeLorean will be the #2 record holder in that category for a long time. Yes, the DMC factory was in Ireland. The company was incorporated in the U.S. and sold almost all of its cars here, just like Tesla, Fisker and Bricklin.

Could DMC have done as well as Tesla is doing if they'd somehow attracted 2X the overall investment money they got, which is about the funding level Tesla is at so far after adjusting for inflation? The world will never know.

Let's cheer for an innovative, scrappy automotive startup in a very competitive market. Such outfits don't come along all that often.

We can even do it without admiring their CEO.

[DMCMW Dave]

We can even do it without admiring their CEO.

You'll find a lot of people didn't much care for JZD either.

[martydmc12]

Quick question, when did Tesla file for bankruptcy? I can't find any record or news article of that happening.

I may have gotten my facts wrong there. I recall something about them "almost" filing for bankruptcy, or getting a financial loan of some sort. Maybe I'm getting it mixed up with Fisker. But I thought there was a point in Tesla history that the company was close to losing it all. Like I said, maybe I've got my facts crossed.

[Rich]

I may have gotten my facts wrong there. I recall something about them "almost" filing for bankruptcy, or getting a financial loan of some sort. Maybe I'm getting it mixed up with Fisker. But I thought there was a point in Tesla history that the company was close to losing it all. Like I said, maybe I've got my facts crossed.

Could be one of a few things.

Somewhere around 2007 Tesla's fourth or fifth round of private financing called for Elon himself to dig deep for personal funds to match some funding from outside investors. That was when they had a significant layoff to control their burn rate while they were wrestling with the Roadster's significant development delays. And when co-founder Martin Eberhard was canned as President and CEO. If there were hints of bankruptcy at the time they were muted ones. The executive shuffle was the big news.

You mention Fisker. Tesla is often compared with hybrid car-maker Fisker, a company flirting with bankruptcy but somehow not yet there.

Finally, there WAS as electric car manufacturer that recently filed for bankruptcy. That would be Coda, a car company no other company would like to be confused with. They managed to deliver all of 117 cars before they augured in 2 months ago.

[Chris4099]

Ya, Tesla has come close to failing in the past but are much more stable now. As for Elon Musk, there is just something about that type of personality that can rub people the wrong way. As Rich points out, many felt the same way about JZD. Same with Steve Jobs too. I usually don't bother arguing about that. I just try to keep the facts straight about the company first and foremost.

[Chris4099]

Another Wired video of the factory in action:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEReFPI4jSc

Also, another DeLorean similarity has started to appear with the Model S. The B pillar trim is starting to wear out as the driver rubs against it when getting in and out of the car. Sound familiar? :) Currently Tesla is covering it under warranty and replacing the worn trim panel. It will be interesting to see what their long term solution will be such as replacing the material with one that doesn't wear like DMC did or if they just make a cover like the earlier VINs could retrofit.

[bladerunner]

I am all for Tesla and I applaud their efforts (as of yet fruitless) to try and make less expensive electric cars for the average car buyer.

[silverhair01]

Tesla is running in to roadblocks at the state level though. It's simple, yet complicated. Basically there are old laws on the books that say you have to sell all cars through franchised dealers. Tesla wants to sell their cars online without dealerships, which is illegal in VA and NC and the dealerships are trying to block them via lobbying lawmakers. It's all pretty corrupt. I think some states have taken it a step further and prevented purchases.



I love the Tesla though...pretty sweet...and not a bad price(though well above my price range) for what you get.

[Chris4099]

Currently you can purchase a new Tesla in any US state. Some states, Tesla Motors is not a registered dealer, so you have to go through a few additional steps after purchase to register the car, but otherwise you can purchase them anywhere. NC did try to make it illegal to purchase a new one through any method, but fortunately that bill was killed after the senate.

The dealership laws have to do with protecting the current 100+ year old dealership model. Basically prevents the manufacturers from coming in and undercutting the dealers by selling direct (as the dealer originally has to make a large investment into starting the business, they don't want to start up only to have their partner take them out). Tesla mostly gets around this because they have no existing franchised dealer network.

The good news is the vast majority of people out there support Tesla's desire to sell direct without a franchised dealer network. Even though Tesla has never tried to kill existing laws (simply modifying them to allow them and other new US based EV-only companies), the dealership association is still trying to stop them. My guess is they are worried that if Tesla succeeds and becomes a serious competitor, then the public may push to remove the laws and allow manufacturers to sell direct.

[silverhair01]

Currently you can purchase a new Tesla in any US state. Some states, Tesla Motors is not a registered dealer, so you have to go through a few additional steps after purchase to register the car, but otherwise you can purchase them anywhere. NC did try to make it illegal to purchase a new one through any method, but fortunately that bill was killed after the senate.

The dealership laws have to do with protecting the current 100+ year old dealership model. Basically prevents the manufacturers from coming in and undercutting the dealers by selling direct (as the dealer originally has to make a large investment into starting the business, they don't want to start up only to have their partner take them out). Tesla mostly gets around this because they have no existing franchised dealer network.

The good news is the vast majority of people out there support Tesla's desire to sell direct without a franchised dealer network. Even though Tesla has never tried to kill existing laws (simply modifying them to allow them and other new US based EV-only companies), the dealership association is still trying to stop them. My guess is they are worried that if Tesla succeeds and becomes a serious competitor, then the public may push to remove the laws and allow manufacturers to sell direct.

yup...it's been crazy between NC and VA with their anti-tesla nonsense. Virginia is about to have a lawsuit on its hands from Tesla here shortly if they don't fix the problems. Dealerships are in a panic by and saying that Tesla will kill competition. Which is BS. Maybe it's time for the auto-industry to change their business model. Adapt to survive!

[Exolis]

Pretty sure Tesla is opposite of bankrupt. I believe I read recently they payed off the rest of their Government start up loan or some type of loan.

As for the Dealerships, it's a smart idea for starting up. But I'm sure once they get bigger, they will want to switch to Franchise. I can't really imagine places like Ford or GM wanting to make a whole new branch just to handle all the dealerships across the world...

The little cart thing is also pretty typical for a smaller scale production vehicle, not to say it's a bad thing by any means. Just they haven't reached the point to where it's financially practical to use full conveyer lines.