Tesla News
Does Tesla Have Thousands Of Unsold Model S Inventory?
The Tesla Model S is still one of the most buzzworthy new cars you can buy today, but that may not mean its in as high of demand as we thought it was.
The Daily Kanban talked to a Merrill Lynch analysts who has reason to believe Tesla is sitting on an inventory of 3,000 Model S cars that have no buyers or are in transit. This is despite reports showing the company still has a hit on its hands and is outselling basically all other EVs.
The analyst also indicates his findings in Tesla's books show Chinese demand is falling short of projections, worsening the company's financial outlook for that market.
Tesla doesn't report sales and production figures like most volume automakers. But neither did Maserati until this year, when it quadrupled its sales. Elon Musk gives us the impression the Model S is still in high demand and the upcoming Model X crossover is basically sold out even before its delayed launch a year from now. But an expansion of the range in the form of the P85D all-wheel drive variant may heat up demand further in the U.S. We'll just have to wait and see.
This would be much more transparent, Elon, if you just told us how many cars went to customers every month.
The Daily Kanban talked to a Merrill Lynch analysts who has reason to believe Tesla is sitting on an inventory of 3,000 Model S cars that have no buyers or are in transit. This is despite reports showing the company still has a hit on its hands and is outselling basically all other EVs.
The analyst also indicates his findings in Tesla's books show Chinese demand is falling short of projections, worsening the company's financial outlook for that market.
Tesla doesn't report sales and production figures like most volume automakers. But neither did Maserati until this year, when it quadrupled its sales. Elon Musk gives us the impression the Model S is still in high demand and the upcoming Model X crossover is basically sold out even before its delayed launch a year from now. But an expansion of the range in the form of the P85D all-wheel drive variant may heat up demand further in the U.S. We'll just have to wait and see.
This would be much more transparent, Elon, if you just told us how many cars went to customers every month.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,799
Likes: 46
From: NC
I know it's anecdotal but, there are a lot of folks in the Tesla forum that had a Model S on order, but changed them as soon as the D-model (the high-performance dual-motor version) was announced.
I think there's a least a little bit of the Osbourne Effect happening here.
I think there's a least a little bit of the Osbourne Effect happening here.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,238
Likes: 274
books... to much input, too little output... creating artificial shortages to keep model "in-demand" and stock up.
There is a lot more info in more reputable news sites.
Also, them taking plant offline for retooling for model X makes more sense now.
There is a lot more info in more reputable news sites.
Also, them taking plant offline for retooling for model X makes more sense now.
We just invested in Tesla Motors - too bad it wasn't a couple years ago.
Can't wait for the $35k model coming in a couple years.
If you ever get a chance to read the history of the company, it's very interesting. Elon Musk did NOT create Tesla...
Can't wait for the $35k model coming in a couple years.
If you ever get a chance to read the history of the company, it's very interesting. Elon Musk did NOT create Tesla...
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,018
Likes: 0
From: CA™
Tesla recently paused production at its factory in Fremont, California, to upgrade the assembly line, add capacity to the body shop, enhance powertrain assembly, and revamp facilities for employees.
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
From: Prague
Are you an analyst/financial guy or did some investment company/consultant do the valuation?
Tesla in talks with BMW about batteries, charging collaborations
With Toyota and Daimler no longer holding Tesla shares, the electric vehicle company might be looking for a new partner – possibly a Bavarian one. In a new interview with Germany's Der Spiegel, CEO Elon Musk confirmed that he has had talks with BMW execs about future collaboration.
"We are talking about whether we can collaborate in battery technology or charging stations," Musk said in the interview, according to Reuters. However, a Tesla spokesperson has tempered things by saying no formal agreements are in place at the moment.
In the same interview, Musk reportedly praised BMW's use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic in its i sub-brand offerings, and said he would like to have a battery factory in Germany in the next five or six years.
The possibility of technological cooperation between Tesla and BMW has been a hot topic this year. In June, Musk reportedly met with BMW execs, and the two companies were also rumored to have met with Nissan to discuss charging technology. When Daimler sold off its shares, there was talk of it opening the way for possible collaboration between the two automakers, as well.
"We are talking about whether we can collaborate in battery technology or charging stations," Musk said in the interview, according to Reuters. However, a Tesla spokesperson has tempered things by saying no formal agreements are in place at the moment.
In the same interview, Musk reportedly praised BMW's use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic in its i sub-brand offerings, and said he would like to have a battery factory in Germany in the next five or six years.
The possibility of technological cooperation between Tesla and BMW has been a hot topic this year. In June, Musk reportedly met with BMW execs, and the two companies were also rumored to have met with Nissan to discuss charging technology. When Daimler sold off its shares, there was talk of it opening the way for possible collaboration between the two automakers, as well.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 8,349
Likes: 0
From: QC/FRANCE
What would be nice is if Tesla one day can have a multi-vehicle line up. I wonder if people out there would love to still buy a Tesla Roadster and not have to buy a used one, but that is me.
No reason why Tesla can't make a dedicated sports car again. Right now they seem to be focused on passenger EV's, but the Roadster served as a good catalyst to spearhead the company and focus their electric efforts. Would be awesome to see a coupe/roadster built in-house (despite the nice Lotus ties)
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,551
Likes: 230
From: San Francisco, CA
That roadster would be shameful to the brand if it was brought back out today. The lotus interior was awful. Tesla has come a long way, and with that kind of exterior and interior would be a step back. I hope they come out with a another roadster, their SUV, and another cheaper sedan, for a 4 vehicle lineup, but they simply don't have the manpower or money.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,799
Likes: 46
From: NC
That roadster would be shameful to the brand if it was brought back out today. The lotus interior was awful. Tesla has come a long way, and with that kind of exterior and interior would be a step back. I hope they come out with a another roadster, their SUV, and another cheaper sedan, for a 4 vehicle lineup, but they simply don't have the manpower or money.
The last version of the Roadster (the 2.5) isn't THAT bad, but it's still not anything like the Model S (or any Luxury brand interiors). Rather than a bespoke infotainment system, they just stuck in an Alpine double-din stereo/nav. Plus, the climate control system is the old-school 3 **** system (blue/red temp control...fan speed...vents). There's no setting it at 72 and letting it automatically regulate.
Obviously, any subsequent models released by Tesla will be bespoke. But, I think they had to do what they did with the Lotus partnership...for a first car. It's all about context.