While I like Tesla's ability to add things on the fly, and not make changes on a model year cutoff (which is what leads to the VIN number challenges I suspect), I'm not sure that I like it enough to override the "normal" model year approach that the rest of the industry uses. I'm not one for saying things should be done one way because they have always been done that way, but in this case, I have run into challenges with Tesla's approach almost every time I interact with anyone other than Tesla (and I don't even have my car yet.)
I am getting a 2016 model S, with APv2 and (of course) the face lift front end, which means I cant just say I need to order part x for a 2016 model S, I need to specify if it was done before face lift or after... or perhaps if it was done after or before APv2 (if that makes a difference in whatever I am getting). The fact that they approach VIN's differently has already caused insurance challenges for some My own insurance assures me that I am actually getting a model 70D given my VIN, they feel I am mistaken when I tell them it is a 60. When I use selectors on 3rd party sites like Amazon or others, I have no idea if selecting 2016 model S is actually giving me stuff that will work for MY car, or for an older one.
Of course, there is a very limited amount of 3rd party stuff out there so far anyway, so I guess it doesn't REALLY impact me as much as it annoys me. I wish the rest of the world would just update their systems to support a more flexible system, but given that I know that wont happen (anytime soon at least), it feels like this is a case where Tesla's "My way is better so to h#$$ with the rest of you" is working against us.
I hadn't thought about the problems that OP (DougS) is mentioning, I hope though that it wont be too much of a problem, the title should be accurate if proof is needed.
