Tesla has very efficient electronic components. Cumulative tiny gains in the entire system. Tesla also focuses on frictional efficiencies (drivetrain and rolling) and aerodynamics. And even weight. It’s a systemic approach and they do a good job. The results are there. Yes, they also lean on EPA loopholes for stated range, But still.

So you’re excited for your $39,900 Cybertruck instead?

It certainly depends on where the US market is headed. Automobile sales fell off a cliff in October. Not just EV, not just ICE. Interest rates via the Fed are finally having their intended effect — to slow the economy. Which means slowing automobile sales. GM and others are trying to gauge which way the wind will blow here. Does the US market continues to tighten? What happens to fuel prices? What happens to regulatory pressures? What happens in next year’s political elections that may affect regulatory pressures?

GM is circling their wagons in preparation for what they must feel will be a contraction in the market, and resulting margin pressures.

Just because you believe in a product segment, you cannot continue to go all-in with your expensive bets… there’s still a business to run. I realize fans want huge bets and to push forward their agenda no matter what. We shall see who is right. GM makes billions… and not because they’re stupid.

That’s pretty amazing

The important takeaway:

“Barra said that while EV growth has slowed, demand is still heading in the right direction, noting that US car buyers were on track to purchase 1 million EVs this year for the first time.

“There’s really no reason that EV demand won’t be higher in the years ahead,” she said. “Consideration is rising, the policy environment is favorable. The public charging infrastructure is growing and customer choice is expanding.”

Retooling always occurs. On an ongoing basis. Constantly.

Tooling wears out. The reinvestment in new tooling is assumed, always. Ford isn’t still making Model Ts because they once invested in tooling for them. In fact, they invested in aluminum bodies on the F-series line when the previous F series sold just fine.

The big three are used to massive capex. This is nothing new. The expense to pivot to EV isn’t dissuading them.

I’ve been on all sides of this coin. But think about it: we don’t need salespeople. Consumers will drive across town to save $100 on a $50,000 car. “We” as a market do not reward great salespeople. The ones that know everything and are genuinely your advocate simply get undercut by the dumbass pushy salesperson with sale skills (not automotive knowledge or empathy or compassion) at the next dealership.

They don’t need to know cars, because people aren’t coming to them to learn about cars. They’re coming to them for the best price.

The really good human beings in auto sales quickly see that consumers won’t buy cars from them if they’re friendly and knowledgeable. Consumers buy cars from them if they have the best price, and/or smooth talk them into buying on the spot. The end.

So they learn to do what gets them results. Not learn about the products. The guy at the last store educated them. Now they just need to be $100 less and say “if I could, would you?” and apply some pressure and sell a car.

We simply don’t reward salespeople for doing a good job. We don’t need automotive salespeople. You get what you reward.

Yes, that’s how it works

They’re available for sale and have been delivered to end users for 3 months or so now.

The GMC Sierra version of the same truck has a more traditional C-pillar, if the aero buttress is a bed limitation for how you will use it.

I’m a homeowner. My trucks fit in my 32’ deep garage just fine.

No. The bed is actually 5’11” in length. Not diagonal.

Because “ludicrous mode” and “we’ve gone plaid” is much less juvenile.

You reserved something you didn’t want or need? Welcome to the 2020s

They’re in production now. Deliveries started a while back.

To be fair, I don’t think Nissan had anything to do with Electrek’s description of their factory. They likely cringe just like we do.

They’re all little SUVs

Only 3 to 4 million people each year buy Nissans

Tesla still outsources thousands of parts and components.

What area are you in?

Happy Cake Day!!