Canadian Signature discussion

[colinb]

That's what they expected, but the black car was reallocated to a new store (in New York I think) that was just opening. The grey car replaced it.

I got a drive in the black one before it was shipped out. This is the replacement for it and as suggested likely in time for the November store opening. Hoping for some VIN info in the next two weeks as my insurance portfolio is up for renewal on November 23rd.

As mentioned earlier in the thread I'd be interested if the Canadian Signature sell out is 200 vehicles or that was compressed. I was S67 before pulling out when it was looking like we might move to New Zealand and opt'd back in once that plan was shelved (for a few years at least).

 

[Prime Mover]

I got my call today about the spoiler option. That makes 4 of us, I believe. He also told me that my delivery window was "November / December" and that I would be contacted 30 days before delivery to review the process. Given that it is almost the end of October, it sounds like I will be getting my Sig just in time for a white Christmas (not that I am complaining).

I asked some additional questions but as the person said he was a "Configuration Specialist", he transferred me to the "Ownership Experience Team".
The lady was very nice but did not have any new knowledge to add about Canadian deliveries. I asked her if the car has been approved for sale in Canada. She said she didn't know, so I pressed and said "Who does know"? She said she would check and get back to me but I am expecting a vague answer to a yes or no question. If I hear otherwise, I will be pleased to let my fellow Canadians know.

If there is a holdup of approval in Canada, I don't think it is because of kilometers vs miles or daytime running lights. My money is betting that some bureaucrat took one look at that honking big touchscreen facing the driver and decided that we needed to be protected from ourselves, lest we "drive distracted".

I got the following voicemail from the Tesla Team on October 24th in response to my question about whether the Model S was approved yet in Canada:

“Hello <Prime Mover>, this is <the Ownership Experience Team> calling from Tesla Motors and we talked earlier regarding your Canadian car. I just wanted to let you know I did ask around and give you the update. It might not be the best answer that you are looking for.
As far as homologation is going, we are in the process of finalizing the homologation currently for Canadian cars and also as far as delivery goes, what we can say right now is we plan to start delivery by the end of the year. So that is our plan right now. Sorry I can’t give you a more specific answer but that is what I can tell you right now.
I hope you understand and we really hope to get your car soon but it does seem it won’t start until the end of the year.
Thank you very much. Bye-bye.”

So, it looks like the approval hasn't happened yet and, even though the Signatures will all be delivered soon in the US, we will have to wait until Christmas for Canadian deliveries. I guess that some of the US R and P reservation holders will receive their cars ahead of us.

 

[Jgdixon]

I sent an email and got 2 different responses. One was the standard Nov / Dec and the other had a promise for an answer by the end of this week (which is now) they said they admitted they weren't communicating well. They did respond well outside normal hours though.
I don't want to say who responded at this point but they also more or less said it was a homologation issue but they were NOT waiting for government approval. I will wait until the end of the day in California and if I don't hear back will try again

 

[Doug_G]

Wow, kudos for extracting something resembling information from Tesla. You are the first person to get anything but the standard "Nov-Dec" answer!

The answer is of course very disappointing, but not entirely unexpected. Actually, what I find most disappointing is the utter lack of communications from Tesla. They could have calibrated our expectations months ago, but instead they basically put up a firewall.

Sounds like it will be 2013 before any of us see our cars, and we're going to receive them in the darkest depths of winter. My ICE is going to require new winter tires, so I had best get on with that.

- - - Updated - - -

I don't want to say who responded at this point but they also more or less said it was a homologation issue but they were NOT waiting for government approval.

Oh. Interesting. If the government's okay with it, then there's something in Tesla's court that isn't ready. I can think of a few possibilities:

• Still developing firmware for Canadian spec cars
• Waiting on special parts being made for Canadian cars
• Still working to get their charge cables certified for use in Canada
• Still working on 3G connectivity with a Canadian service provider

 

[mknox]

Sounds like it will be 2013 before any of us see our cars, and we're going to receive them in the darkest depths of winter. My ICE is going to require new winter tires, so I had best get on with that.

Yep. I just put new rubber on my CTS for another winter season. As a Production reservation holder, I wasn't really expecting to see my car before spring, but Tesla did tell me there was an outside chance I may see my car in 2012 at the time I put my deposit down. I'm okay with that, really. I would rather not have to go through the nasty, dirty winter roads and weather with a brand new S.

 

[RichardC]

Doug, I agree that the lack of communication is far more troubling than the delay. This point should be mentioned to Telsa when any of us are communicating with them. An e-mail update from Tesla would be much appreciated and help us to make plans for the end of year time period.

 

[Zapped]

If anyone has a contact with CND Feds, sure would be nice to know what the approval conditions / issues are.
The Roadsters are approved so what could be so different with the Model S ?

 

[KBF]

If it's something like 3g issues, I would say dump it, I don't care about that (tethering to my phone would be totally fine, but even that isn't essential), just please deliver my car! If it's French issues do a lame Google job and fix it later. The whole point of Signature was early delivery, even if that meant a few beta issues remaining. I'll still wait for official word from Tesla before becoming a squeaky wheel, though. They have a few days left.

 

[Doug_G]

If it's something like 3g issues, I would say dump it, I don't care about that (tethering to my phone would be totally fine, but even that isn't essential), just please deliver my car!

They need 3G for software updates. I doubt they'd ship unless they could deliver updates.

If it's French issues do a lame Google job and fix it later. The whole point of Signature was early delivery, even if that meant a few beta issues remaining.

That probably would prevent them from delivering in Quebec, but I don't think it would affect other provinces.

You're right, though, if there is no early delivery then the value proposition of Signature is looking very thin.

I'll still wait for official word from Tesla before becoming a squeaky wheel, though. They have a few days left.

Good luck.

 

[KBF]

I figure that I'll wait and see what happens on Monday's press release, and if I'm not happy with the info (or lack thereof) I'll send emails to all the addresses I have and call a few numbers. At least I will have tried. I still have hope, and I still think that if GeorgeB told you Cdn Sigs are next, I'll take the conflicting info as misinformed. Wouldn't be the first time.

 

[Doug_G]

He did, two weeks ago.

 

[GeorgeB]

Hello Canada!!! Just a quick note...

I know some of you are wondering if there will be a "Signature Update" coming your way similar to the one in the US several weeks ago? Yep, we will do so shortly. We needed to wait just a little longer to finalize a few things before sending it out. It will be hitting within the next week or so... all good news too!

General Production reservation holders will also be hearing from us soon. General Production configurations for Canada are on track to start right around the end of the month.

GeorgeB

 

[Zapped]

If it's something like 3g issues,I would say dump it,.

Totally agree.
I understood a 4g LTE usb modem-aircard would work in the USB slot and provide all the necessary connectivity
Would rather pay for the faster connection anyway and avoid map update lag discussed elsewhere on TMC, etc.
Looks like we'll fine out shortly from TM about the CND Sigs
Certainly hope you SSL guys get yours soon. :smile: Then the rest shouldn't be far behind

 

[NigelM]

Note: I copied GeorgeB's post above from the main Model S sub-forum to make sure you all saw it: Model-S-Canadian-Deliveries

 

[KBF]

Got George B's email. Production was in fact delayed by bilingual req's and adding immobilisers. 2- 3 weeks they'll begin production, Merry Christmas!

 

[Doug_G]

Yeah just got the email. Sounds like Christmas deliveries.

 

[Jgdixon]

Got George B's email. Production was in fact delayed by bilingual req's and adding immobilisers. 2- 3 weeks they'll begin production, Merry Christmas!

I just got the email too! Ya Hoo! Can't wait.

 

[mknox]

Got George B's email. Production was in fact delayed by bilingual req's and adding immobilisers. 2- 3 weeks they'll begin production, Merry Christmas!

Interesting. I know immobilizers are required in Canada, but the US Specs Page has listed "Anti Theft Alarm and Immobilizer System" for some time now. Does this mean the US cars are being delivered without that feature?

- - - Updated - - -

Yeah just got the email. Sounds like Christmas deliveries.

Are just the Sig folks getting this???

 

[Doug_G]

Interesting. I know immobilizers are required in Canada, but the US Specs Page has listed "Anti Theft Alarm and Immobilizer System" for some time now. Does this mean the US cars are being delivered without that feature?

Yeah, it's a bit weird because the car already won't work without the fob. The "immobilizer" is an electronic interlock. I don't know what the exact regulations are, but I hope this isn't going to mean that we have to push a button on our fob to start the car, like we do with the Roadster... that would be plain silly.

Are just the Sig folks getting this???

Almost certainly, yes, because the email is talking specifically about Canadian Signature cars. For the record (I've posted it elsewhere), here is the email text:

Dear Douglas,

We have some great news to share with you today - it's time to begin Signature Model S deliveries in Canada!

There were a few requirements we had to meet prior to importing Model S into Canada, including label and language additions to meet bilingual requirements as well as the addition of a vehicle immobilizer - a second level of security required on all cars in Canada. We have finalized these requirements and submitted for Transport Canada's approval to proceed. As a result, production of Canadian Signature Model S can now begin!

Canadian Signature cars are planned to enter production in the next two to three weeks. We will contact you via email at the point when your car progresses to "End-of-Line" at the factory. That email will begin your delivery process and is designed to confirm registration details and collect further information regarding your delivery. We will contact you shortly after we receive this information to begin scheduling your delivery. Our goal is to schedule a time that is convenient for you while delivering Model S to your doorstep as soon as possible. Our Delivery Experience Specialists make sure your delivery event is fun, thorough and leaves you with an in-depth understanding of your new car. It's time to start thinking about where you'd like to take delivery - we'll be contacting you soon!

Delivering Model S to Canada is a very important milestone for Tesla. This is our first step outside the U.S. with Model S and the beginning of our international rollout. We could not have achieved this milestone without you and we appreciate your continued support and passion for our products. We were thrilled last week to have Model S named AUTOMOBILE Magazine's 2013 Automobile of the Year and are proud to have you as one of the first customers in Canada to drive our award-winning car. We look forward to getting you behind the wheel!

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

George Blankenship

 

[Spurkey]

Got George B's email. Production was in fact delayed by bilingual req's and adding immobilisers. 2- 3 weeks they'll begin production, Merry Christmas!

Fantastic, congratulations! One step closer for us 'P' types as well...