Quote Of The Day: Madness? This Is Tesla! Edition

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

We’re really trying to put together a world-class manufacturing team. We’re trying to create a Spartan army of expertise.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk give Automotive News [sub] his most inspirational metaphor for Tesla’s effort to ready production of its $50k Model S sedan. And though Musk is quick to call outsourced production “wishful thinking,” the vehicle’s transmission and battery cells as well as “wiring harnesses, skeletal mechanisms for the seats, and glass for the windows” will be supplied by outside firms. Musk says that sourcing for 80 percent of the Model S’s components has been narrowed down to one or two companies, and a plant location in Southern California will be announced shortly. But, he notes, the factory deal isn’t done yet. Or, as Musk puts it:

It hasn’t yet been finalized. We’ve almost fully negotiated the deal, but it has not been signed yet

Time to start greasing up those six-packs?


Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Undrgnd40 Undrgnd40 on Apr 28, 2010

    tesla should build the volt before it becomes obsolete.

  • David Obelcz David Obelcz on Apr 28, 2010

    Vaporware - their finances are a train wreck. I'll be surprised if the S ever ends up in the hands of customers. By the time they come to market Ford, Toyota, GM, Nissan, and Fiat will all have ICEs or pure electrics on the market, all at a lower price point. Agree with twotone - get payment up front.

    • SCE to AUX SCE to AUX on Apr 29, 2010

      No doubt the Model S is significantly more difficult to finish as compared to the Roadster. I think Tesla's finances could always receive a special shot in the arm from Mr. Musk - if he wanted to. Remember that Tesla has already had the distinction of selling the Roadster years before any other EVs of any meaningful volume. They've already moved more Roadsters than GM's EV1. And the Model S is not intended to compete in the same space as any products from other mfrs - it's a high-performance car.

  • Lilpoindexter Lilpoindexter on Apr 29, 2010

    If I had several millions to invest I would open a Tesla/ Chrysler dealership.

    • Porschespeed Porschespeed on Apr 29, 2010

      Can't we just put it in a big pile in the driveway, squirt gas on it, then set it alight?

  • Detlump Detlump on Apr 29, 2010

    This guy and Fisker should car pool. I keep thinking of North Haverbrook whenever I see an article about either. Ironically, I think it is actually easier to build and launch a vehicle to space than it is to start a car company from scratch. Cars are so heavily regulated, this will only equalize when everyone has a vehicle that can go to space, right? Tucker MkII

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