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0 pointssandspar5y ago0 comments

Something will stop them. They're not expanding into a vacuum: they're expanding into well-established markets full of billion dollar companies run by people just as driven and talented as they are - not to mention other forces like governments, supply and demand etc. Look at someone who eats 5,000 calories a day and gains 3 lbs a week. "My god, in 10 years they'll weigh 10,000 lbs!"

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10 comments · 1 top-level

belltaco5y ago· 9 in thread

People said the same thing about Apple, and watched while it eventually decimated Nokia, Blackberry etc. Both Tesla and Apple have that premium brand reputation, and older brands are perceived as legacy. Doesn't mean that the car brands will fall to a similar fate, but they have an uphill battle to fight and need to pull a rabbit out of their hats.

clouddrover5y ago

> they have an uphill battle to fight and need to pull a rabbit out of their hats

The Renault Zoe is the best selling electric car in Europe in 2020.

It's not like car manufacturers are standing still. They'll be pumping out electric cars year after year. When there's so much choice of EV, what's the reason to choose a Tesla? Europe is choosing the Zoe ahead of all other models right now.

CptFribble5y ago

Not all major car makers will fall into the "legacy/old and busted" category - I think the ones with a long-time reputation for quality/dependability will be able to make a strong splash in the EV market once they've got a comparable product.

For example, if Honda or Toyota makes any of their mainline models with the simplified/basic interior but just with a well-made EV drivetrain compatible with the Tesla charger network, I'm probably buying instantly.

Thlom5y ago

If you look at Norway where EV's account for close to 50% of new car sales you'll find that Tesla is not outselling anyone. Most sold EV this year was the Audi e-tron, followed by VW e-golf. Tesla M3 on 5th place. Tesla has the best range, but it's not that far ahead of the competition and it is generally more expensive than the competition.

1 more reply

baskire5y ago

The issue will be battery supply chain. It’s the new ice engine in the supply chain

joshuamorton5y ago

But being a "premium" or lifestyle brand is a lot less useful if you're competing in the insurance or utility markets.

dexterdog5y ago

Is Tesla considered a premium brand? Most of the cars they currently sell are pretty basic.

4 more replies

josefx5y ago

As far as I understand Nokia was doing fine and was even ready to launch its own smartphone OS before it got subverted by a Microsoft manager that brought Windows Mobile and killed any chance it had to compete.

> Both Tesla and Apple have that premium brand reputation, and older brands are perceived as legacy.

In other words: overpriced crap vs. tried and tested.

underwater5y ago

That's a bit of a generous assessment. They had an OS that was launched on one premium phone, well behind iOS, Android and Windows phone. A company like Nokia would struggle to turn their Symbian dumb phone market share into something that could win against Android.

1 more reply

coryrc5y ago

The board hired him specifically to try and sell the company to Microsoft.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse

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10 comments · 1 top-level

belltaco5y ago· 9 in thread

clouddrover5y ago

> they have an uphill battle to fight and need to pull a rabbit out of their hats

The Renault Zoe is the best selling electric car in Europe in 2020.

CptFribble5y ago

Thlom5y ago

1 more reply

baskire5y ago

The issue will be battery supply chain. It’s the new ice engine in the supply chain

joshuamorton5y ago

But being a "premium" or lifestyle brand is a lot less useful if you're competing in the insurance or utility markets.

dexterdog5y ago

Is Tesla considered a premium brand? Most of the cars they currently sell are pretty basic.

4 more replies

josefx5y ago

> Both Tesla and Apple have that premium brand reputation, and older brands are perceived as legacy.

In other words: overpriced crap vs. tried and tested.

underwater5y ago

1 more reply

coryrc5y ago

The board hired him specifically to try and sell the company to Microsoft.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse