• Please be sure to read the rules and adhere to them. Some banned members have complained that they are not spammers. But they spammed us. Some even tried to redirect our members to other forums. Duh. Be smart. Read the rules and adhere to them and we will all get along just fine. Cheers. :beer: Link to the rules: https://www.forumsforums.com/threads/forum-rules-info.2974/

Ford is challenging Tesla with e-Vehicles

Melensdad

Jerk in a Hawaiian Shirt & SNOWCAT Moderator
Staff member
GOLD Site Supporter
Tesla enjoys a spot on top of the electric vehicle list but Audi and MB owners would prefer German electric vehicles according to surveys. Many American auto buyers don’t see the value in Tesla cars and their super premium price tags. Even the cheapest Tesla is priced above the average car sold in the US.

So enter Ford. Dealerships everywhere. Service and parts support everywhere. And VW will be following soon.

Link below has FULL article:





Tesla Might Finally Have Some Competition. From Ford.​

New York Times
Tesla Might Finally Have Some Competition. From Ford.

A few weeks before Christmas, San Tan Ford, a dealership in the Phoenix area, invited car buyers to gawk at the Mustang Mach-E, a highly anticipated electric car that Ford Motor recently started selling.

The event drew some 200 people, many driving BMWs, Audis, Subarus and other brands San Tan rarely gets as trade-ins. Ten people put down deposits for a Mach-E — including three who arrived in Teslas.

“Just overwhelming, the level of excitement and enthusiasm,” San Tan’s owner, Tim Hovik, said. “When you drive this thing, the performance is, like, wow.”

While Ford and the world’s other big automakers are earning billions of dollars selling pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles powered by gasoline, they have not yet gained much ground in electric vehicles, the fast-growing segment of the auto business dominated by Tesla.

That could finally change this year. Ford, Volkswagen and other automakers will begin selling several models with greater driving range than an earlier round of Tesla challengers that failed to draw many buyers.

Ford in particular needs its latest foray into E.V.s to be a smash hit. With the exception of its best-selling pickup trucks, the company was struggling even before the pandemic sent auto sales tumbling. Many critics and car buyers have long considered its model lineup tired and uninspiring. And investors value Ford at around $38 billion, about half as much as General Motors and a far cry from Tesla’s $800 billion market capitalization.

A new chief executive, Jim Farley, who took over in October, has pledged to streamline its operations — the company recently said it was shutting down three factories in Brazil — and invest in electric and autonomous cars. The Mach-E will be Mr. Farley’s first big test.

The company is betting that the car will succeed where others have failed in part because, while it is called a Mustang, it is a roomy and high-riding S.U.V., which many American car buyers prefer over sedans. Most of Tesla’s sales come from its Model 3 compact sedan. Other automakers, including Volkswagen, Nissan, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Hyundai, are also planning to introduce electric S.U.V.s in the coming months.

Several of the new entries are also priced attractively compared with Tesla models, and could lure buyers who are interested in electric vehicles but have balked at paying premiums prices.
 
Interesting facts. I feel like Tesla will have to step up their games once the other auto manufacturers work on e-vehicles.
 

300 H and H

Bronze Member
GOLD Site Supporter
Time will tell.
Tesla will have a $25K car this year or next. It will have a shorter range, but they say it will still have self driving capabilities.
Competition is good, but they are years behind Tesla in development.
Last year Tesla lowered car prices on all models. Like $5K off each. Not a sale either. Tesla is going to pass savings of scaling production back to the new car buyer. Have you seen Ford or GM do this ever?
I have to admit being a Tesla fan boy how ever. As a Tesla stock holder, I have made a good bit of profit owning the stock.
I also believe the legacy car manufactures have been asleep, and Tesla has done it's home work. They are much more vertically integrated than any of the car makers, and have the supply chains for production of Lithium cells already in place. Not to mention the best Lithium cell produced.
Plus they have Elon Musk, and this guy has made space rocket boosters land ass first on a barge in the ocean. I never would never thought that possible...
To me the legacy auto makers will be the ones who have to step up their games. Tesla owns this space, as they have been producing cars for nearly a decade now. That is one heck of a head start.,

Regards, Kirk
 

300 H and H

Bronze Member
GOLD Site Supporter

Tesla Dojo Supercomputer Explained & Machine Learning as a Service Market​

(1) Tesla Dojo Supercomputer Explained & Machine Learning as a Service Market - YouTube

Electrified
40.8K subscribers

The Tesla Dojo Supercomputer is a critical part of Tesla's solving for full self driving. In this episode we'll touch on the technical aspects but also simplify things so you can relay the information to normal people who don't study computer chips for fun! We also take a look at how the Tesla Dojo Supercomputer will be used for machine learning as a service (MLaaS) and what that potential market could look like for Tesla.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just a little example of what Tesla is up to. I seriously doubt this is something Ford and GM is involved with. A.I. in the future will be a big part of self driving. Ever car is a leaning device that reports data back to Tesla, and is this data is shared with all Tesla cars eventually.

Add to the car manufacturing, the Energy division, Mega Pack utility power grid scale batteries, the lowest cost solar cells, solar cell "shingles" for homes, power wall batteries for home power. These do not make many "radar" maps, but in time will become yet another profit center. Legacy car makers have none of this. Tesla will dominate new turf in the future, and it will not be in the car market...
 
Last edited:

Melensdad

Jerk in a Hawaiian Shirt & SNOWCAT Moderator
Staff member
GOLD Site Supporter
And now hot on the heels of FORD's new Mustang SUV, here come the Germans. We already know that VW/Audi are going to be offering models that are highly anticipated. He is the news from Mercedes.

Surveys, time and time again, show future e-car buyers would rather buy from an established local dealership than buy from Tesla. These advancements do not bode well for Tesla's future dominance.


Mercedes Unveils Electric SUV In EV Race Against Tesla, VW

Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz rolled out its battery-powered EQA SUV as part of a plan to take on Tesla and Volkswagen.

Mercedes-Benz's first fully-electric SUV will be available in the coming months. EQA's retail price will be set around 47,541 euros ($57,734) and have a range of approximately 486 kilometers (302 miles).



Bloomberg notes unlike Tesla Inc.'s Model 3 or Volkswagen AG's ID.3, Mercedes-Benz outfitted an existing combustion-engine vehicle with electric motors instead of developing one from scratch.

"The German manufacturer modified the underpinnings of its GLA crossover to reduce upfront investment and save time compared to building an all-electric vehicle from scratch. It's a trade-off that often comes at the expense of driving distance and production-cost efficiencies," Bloomberg said.
Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Michael Dean said Mercedes's lower-priced electric cars would drag on profitability "until the company develops EV-specific underpinnings and battery prices drop further."

The price of a lithium-ion battery pack is expected to drop in the next couple of years, allowing automakers to manufacture mass-market electric vehicles for the same cost as those running on petrol.

The cost right now stands around $137 per kilowatt-hour. As soon as $100 per kilowatt-hour is reached in the next couple of years, it would allow major automakers, such as Mercedes-Benz to generate profit from the sale of the vehicle.

Daimler Chief Executive Officer Ola Kallenius expects the electric shift will eventually make it to larger vehicles such as S-Class and GLS SUV.

"For the first time, we are offering our customers an all-electric Mercedes in the compact segment with an extensive range that ensures its viability in everyday use," Mercedes sales chief Britta Seeger said in a statement. "The new EQA is an important vehicle along our path toward the electrification of all our vehicle segments."
Mercedes-Benz will enter the mass-market electric vehicle space in 2024 or 2025, suggesting that Tesla's European dominance is running out of time.​
 

waybomb

Well-known member
GOLD Site Supporter
Tesla will take a fall for sure. I think sooner than later. When the big boys get involved, Tesla won't have a chance.
I'd still like to know where all this electricity will be sourced.
Can't have nukes
Can't have coal.
Can't have NG.
Oh, yah, solar. That's the answer. Cover all the farm fields with solar panels. Who needs food?
 

300 H and H

Bronze Member
GOLD Site Supporter
I don't think your getting the idea here. Lets put it another way. Tesla is not a car company. They are a technology company that just happens to produce a car line as it's first retail product. HVAC for homes (coming soon), Powerwall batteries, solar shingles, all now making profits, all sold out in advance. No advertising.... And way more cash on hand than of the legacy auto makers. And no ICE vehicles to try and service and maintain, as the legacy makes have to support both types, Tesla only one...
Tesla has more than just cars to sell. But cars are the first of what they will in the future sell. It is hard to believe that with the coming production plants scaling production at this time is so undervalued by those with ideas 3 to 5 years out. My bet its that GM Ford and Chrysler are pissing in their corn flakes because they now realize how far behind they are. Now they are braying with ad campaigns that they are in the market in any meaning full way. :pat::rofl1: Spending money Tesla doesn't have to spend on adds.

Ford has staggering debt. GM after the US Government bailed them out on 2009, four years later the Chinese bailed out GM once again...
Tesla could write a check for the purchase of Ford. Instant dealer net work.. Elon would do that if it makes sense to do so.

Just like with Trump, lots of Elon Musk haters, I get it. Not sure why, but I get it.
Tesla will have competition for sure, but I and lots of others believe that they will be the biggest, if not one of the biggest EV makes out there on the Globe today. Of course I could be all wet here, been wrong before. But I choose to wager on that guy who can land a rocket up right on a barge in the ocean..... now hundreds of times, bore streets under Las Vegas, put astronauts into space cheaper and quicker than NASA.. This is the man who will crack the self driving nut, and is just about there. No one else even comes in a close second. Lidar is not an answer, but a limiting factor. Tesla booted the idea years ago.

Regards, Kirk
 

waybomb

Well-known member
GOLD Site Supporter
Kirk
The guy is a genius.
His cars not so much.
I'm a car guy. Needs looks. From all angles. The cars look odd from behind.
Not so good from the front either.
Your bird, my sl, those dual cowl cadillacs and duesy's, almost all Italian cars. The car has to look good first. If it doesn't look good, I don't care what the power is.
As for his other tech, ok.
 

300 H and H

Bronze Member
GOLD Site Supporter
Kirk
The guy is a genius.
His cars not so much.
I'm a car guy. Needs looks. From all angles. The cars look odd from behind.
Not so good from the front either.
Your bird, my sl, those dual cowl cadillacs and duesy's, almost all Italian cars. The car has to look good first. If it doesn't look good, I don't care what the power is.
As for his other tech, ok.
I agree totally. I hope in the future they become more aware of this, but also I am aware they see them selves as trend setters just the way they are. My hope is they get some real car styling guys on board and the sooner the better. What they have that is underneath the skin is top of the line.

Regards, Kirk
 

Melensdad

Jerk in a Hawaiian Shirt & SNOWCAT Moderator
Staff member
GOLD Site Supporter
I think his tech is already showing its age. The investment in a proprietary charging system may actually lead to his downfall. Tesla is certainly a trend setter but it may be bypassed by universal standards for charging a totally different type of battery system. Looks aside, it's dealership model and service centers can't scale up fast enough to compete once the big auto players actually enter the game.
 

300 H and H

Bronze Member
GOLD Site Supporter

Sandy Munro on Tesla Alternatives in 2021​

(1) Sandy Munro on Tesla Alternatives in 2021 - YouTube

E for Electric
100K subscribers


SUBSCRIBE
Sandy Munro breaks down Tesla alternatives in 2021 including Rivian, Lucid, Ford Mustang Mach-E, VW ID.4, and others! There are a couple of shockers there as well. What we both agree on is that the future of electric cars is bright and it starts in 2021

This is informative, and looks at the market of EV's for 2021..
 

Melensdad

Jerk in a Hawaiian Shirt & SNOWCAT Moderator
Staff member
GOLD Site Supporter
Sandy Munro has one opinion

Many others have other opinions

What I look at are the customer surveys and the vast majority of people who are willing to consider e-vehicles are not willing to consider Tesla but would be perfectly comfortable buying an electric car from an established auto manufacturer.

I'm not saying Tesla will go out of business or bankrupt, what I'm saying is that Audi, Mercedes, Ford, VW, Nissan, Honda, etc will all dominate the electric vehicles in a few years. Add in there that Apple is entering the market, possibly as a partner to Hyndai/Kia and a few other auto makers. Microsoft is doing the same thing. And both computer companies are working with major auto makers on self driving and safety software.

I understand there are fanboys for every brand. I'm an Aktiv SnowTrac fanboy.
 

300 H and H

Bronze Member
GOLD Site Supporter
If you watched the video you might find Tesla is hardly spoken of.
VW and Rivian were the most likely to find traction in 2021.
So many closed minds. We are just content to hang on to what we think we know.

Regards, Kirk
 

Melensdad

Jerk in a Hawaiian Shirt & SNOWCAT Moderator
Staff member
GOLD Site Supporter
If you watched the video you might find Tesla is hardly spoken of.
VW and Rivian were the most likely to find traction in 2021.
So many closed minds. We are just content to hang on to what we think we know.

Regards, Kirk
I’ve watched dozens of videos, I’d rather people provide a brief overview with videos so I don’t have to try to internet the point.
 

300 H and H

Bronze Member
GOLD Site Supporter
I’ve watched dozens of videos, I’d rather people provide a brief overview with videos so I don’t have to try to internet the point.
This one actually has Munroe admitting Hydrogen may be the future as well. Worth your time to watch.
You can resist video at your own peril. If you do not, why comment about them?
I am not just providing one side of the argument. You assumed that I am.

(1) Road Trip - E2: Rocky Mountain Recap - YouTube
In this one they are on their way across country in a Tesla Model 3. Be surprised at what Munro is disappointed in battery performance...

Regards, Kirk
 

Melensdad

Jerk in a Hawaiian Shirt & SNOWCAT Moderator
Staff member
GOLD Site Supporter
I didn’t comment on the specific video other than to say the person had their own opinion.

I actually commented on none of the content. In fact my comment was largely on the point that customer surveys of auto buyers want a different choice.
 

300 H and H

Bronze Member
GOLD Site Supporter
I actually commented on none of the content. In fact my comment was largely on the point that customer surveys of auto buyers want a different choice.
then why not share this information rather than just comment that it is true?
I like evidence. Tesla's business model is very different. They send a tech to the car for repairs. Caterpillar makes it's way in life doing the same thing. Dealerships? I just bought a truck at a dealership. I hated every minute of the parade of people who wished to try and get me to buy this or that for a truck we had made a deal on. They wasted nearly 2 hours of my time. Many people like me out there who do not enjoy what a dealer brings to the plate at purchase time.
EV's will not, or should not have nearly the problems of a traditional auto. Less than half the total parts, more like 80% less moving parts. Tires and brakes are all that need up keep. I am not sure you need a traditional dealership to support an EV.. They look to me to be over kill, and add quite a bit to the price of every vehicle they sell. Dealerships have become a problem, looking for a solution...

Regards, Kirk
 
Top