http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwiS4t8TMlI&eurl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slHQ0M66NV0

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

 

The Tango sure is cool... but $108K? Dang.

 

Did we watch the same videos?

 

This comparison is moot anyway.

Tesla will be out of business within 6 months.

 

Thats for a kit. Some assembly required, but batteries are included.

 

Marking my calendar...what makes you say that?

The people buying Tesla's vehicles weren't doing so becuase of gas prices, they are status symbols. People buy them because of their uniqueness and to be "the first on the block" to have one.

The roadster sold out in 2008, and they have 1,200 pre-orders for next years model. I can't find any news about them being in financial dire straits. I know they loaned $40 million for production...but with 1,200 pre-orders that's $103 million in sales already for next year.

 

First, Tesla's now going on it's 4th CEO in 12 months.

Second, that new CEO has had to put his own money into the company to help keep it going.

Third, Tesla's in the process of laying off up to 100 people.

Fourth, all new products (including the Model S) are tentatively shelved, with the company focusing on selling technology and assembling vehicles... in other words, they need cash.

Fifth, Tesla's existance currently depends on them tapping into loans designated for alternately powered vehicles, not profit on their sales.

Sixth, Tesla's Detroit office is being shut down and everything is being consolidated in San Jose.

Seven, Telsa's managed to only deliver 40-50 cars to date.

Eight, Telsa's had to do a waranty replacement of the transmissions of all 40 vehicles delivered so far which has wiped out their profits to date.

Nine (related to all the above), Tesla was unable to get a $100 million investment they were expecting... if the company went under today, they have no way of paying back just the deposits people put on their orders, let alone the debt they have to date.

Ten, the company's continued existance depends on another $20 million from investors and $200 million in government loans.


It takes much more than 1200 preorders for a company to be successful. Those pre-orders don't have full price deposits on them. Telsa needs money today... and as mentioned, the company doesn't even have enough money to repay the deposits they currently have. That's going to have a chilling effect on new customers save those who can afford to potentially lose their deposit and have alot of enthusiasm (and confidence) in Tesla.

Tesla's bordering on the edge right now. That's not a good place to be with the curent (and expeted worsening) economy & tough to get loans and investors.

If they are around next summer (and I'm not betting on it), they are extremely lucky.