I disagree with following:
"Design is uncompetitive in the mobile phone,lap top, tablet space.
It was never a focus for the electronics industry."
Companies have tried so many things to get to where we are today. With wearables, it will change soon in electronics. Companies try harder to design and there are as many if not more user-groups involved to find what button goes where compared to car industry.
I am not making Apple #1, but I am saying they have a very good chance if they think they have a compelling reason to build a car.
For electronics firms design means ergonomics not aesthetics.
With the exception of some microniche products aimed at teenage girls mostly, electronic firms have not tried to design something beautiful.
The most recent Galaxy phone is a half hearted attempt. After years of selling a comparable spec smart phone for less money and not realizing the profits they were expecting.
I am siding with pGo on the design issue. Most devices and often cars are functionally quite close to each other, making meaningful differentiation difficult.
Car and devices are highly personal items. My car, phones and laptops (and tablets) feel like personal extensions which I do not wish to share with anyone. For me, the design is one of the most significant and important differentiators, for any personal item.
Physical characteristics, including visual, often prevail for many people when making purchasing decisions.
I find Apple products beautiful. When I first saw McAir, I bought it on impulse, on first sight. I hardly use it. That subconscious effect of design is not to be underestimated. I see the design as one of the Apple's competitive advantages.
Regarding Tesla Model S design, I do find it beautiful, but I do not find it visually standing out amongst other cars as much as some Apple products stand out amongst their competition.
Design is not Tesla's competitive advantage. Many cars can beat it in that category.
In my view, Tesla differentiates itself by the simplicity and elegance of its powertrain the most, and then by some other features. The main differentiator is that it does not use gas.
So here we have two very different companies, established Apple that focuses on design and growing Tesla, that focuses on manufacturing and innovation.
If I were Apple, I would try to buy Tesla. Tesla brings to the Table what Apple wants.
If I were Tesla, choice is a bit more difficult. Apple can bring so much to the table for Tesla, but the Tesla's main focus on innovation might be channeled onto a very different path under Apple's wings. That is a risk that perhaps at this stage Tesla does not need to take. Future can be different than today.
