Well, being retired, he now also has time for it. As an executive, he didn't have time to write magazine articles. And, of course, for his warning to Tesla, time (and Tesla's own actions) will prove if he is correct or not.

Magazines sales are generally limited today more by the Internet, and by things being on-line, rather than by who they choose for the articles.

 

ZOOM! That's the sound of the point he was making going over your head.

 

Bob Lutz always finds time to put his foot in his mouth I'll give him points for consistency.

 

Since when is Tesla full of inventory? The model X wait time is like 2 years out for anyone who places an order now. And I thought the Model S was built to order. Also he is wrong about the retail stores. The service bays are located in another place while Tesla still has their mall storefronts with low overhead to just display two cars, options, colors, and gain general interest in the brand.

 

Many former auto execs seem to have selective memory when they write their book(s). The things they write are often different than the way things were when they were in their positions.

 

I remember, reading Lee Iacocca's book (which is part of my automotive library) that, while paying at least some lip service to it, he clearly understated Chrysler's huge quality problems of the late 70s and 1980s. I owned some of those POS's myself.....enough to finally dump American-designed cars and switch to Mazda. Since then, of course, Detroit is finally doing some respectable products again.....some of which are rebadged world-platforms.

Actually, that's the sound of Mazda's silly marketing slogan...though they seem to be getting away from it now.

And the point didn't go over my head. I understood the point the poster was trying to make.....about the magazine using Lutz for controversial articles. I simply don't agree with that point.

 

Then simply disagree with his point instead of giving us some off topic diatribe about magazine sales being limited by the internet

 

tesla still loses money faster than a drunk in a casino but is somehow still a 'darling'...

they're a pioneer, but most pioneers end up with arrows in their back.

i think other big auto companies will soon eat tesla's lunch with similar/better functions, a much bigger dealer network, and potentially better prices.

i predict tesla will eventually be acquired for patents.

 

Tesla already released their patents to anyone who wants them

 

I think that right now Tesla is the industry's favorite whipping boy...will they be around in 10 years? Hard to say.

BUT, the industry is better and will be better for their existence. Nothing wrong with an outsider coming in and shaking things up.

Even if they don't survive, the fact that someone can come in and sell an EV and have it be that mainstream, people here comparing the LS to a Tesla and the fact that the Tesla isn't a conventionally fueled vehicle doesn't really even enter into the discussion means a lot for the future.

Why do you think the LF-FC concept is a fuel cell concept? Why do you think Audi is exploring EVs? Because of Tesla.

I think the industry and consumers and enthusiasts of cars need to think of that before they hit Tesla with the flogger...

 

Right now, though, they don't have as many arrows in their back as rival Fisker Automotive (who just recently changed their name to Karma)

The main problem will likely be developing an all-electric vehicle that can give the Tesla's range (or better) at lower prices....those quality components and batteries are simply expensive by nature. Of course, not having to run company stores with company money will help.

A reasonable prediction. You might have something there.

 

One thing is a given with technology. Over time, prices fall. They will be able to build cheaper and cheaper cars with this technology.

 

Well said.

 

Right NOW, VW has to be the main whipping boy.....Tesla will take a clear second place. Everybody and their brother is piling on VW over the diesel-emission issue.

 

Here is why I think Bob Putz has it wrong.

Tesla is really a tech company. For folks who don't live in our world, it goes like this. Create something novel and offer it at a premium to early adopters. Follow up with higher volume stuff and get to break even, then evolve to other spaces and count the cash.

For Tesla, the sports car was the first thing to see if there was interest and there was. The model S is really the novel product. You can see that even with cheap gas, rich folks are buying these cars. The Model X will bring some volume. Once they get the 3 in the market, there should be no problem with viability. Then they do a crazy halo sports car and a pick up truck and voila, a real company that can self sustain.