I agree it was risky, and close to failing, but that’s what usually happens with great things. I don’t think any other car company that makes electric cars would say they aren’t playing catch up with Tesla. They seem to perpetually be a few years behind.
I was just making my comment based on the parent comment saying it couldn’t be done. It’s done all the time in every segment.
Never underestimate the bean counters from ruining the incumbents.
Tesla was close to failing in 2008. After that its 'Musk level' close to failing. Even in 2017 when they were losing billions, they still had lots of option to raise money and their margins were already clearly moving in the right direction.