Elon Musk on The Joe Rogan Experience

[Krugerrand]

I may be the biggest Elon fan on this forum but this decision, in my estimation, was not a good sign for Elon continuing as ceo, I think almost an acknowledgement that he no longer wants to be ceo. I would have preferred he controlled the narrative.

Sadly, I think Elon is hurting more than he let’s on.

And this isn’t about weed, though I certainly don’t know how he could maintain his level of functioning while using regularly. Though some folks can pull it off I suppose (i would have eaten all the Cheetos and California by now) My guess is that they’ve already started looking for new ceo and he is giving a big f you to the board.

Ah oh well,

What have you done with buttershrimp? Return him asap so he can cancel his reservation!

 

[AustinPowers]

It depends entirely on your investing horizon and your investment thesis. If you're in for a few months to a year, then that's a big valley to ignore.

If your investment horizon is 10+ years, then all I know for sure is that I've ridden the stock down from 180 to 130, 280 to 180 several times, and 380 to 280 several times. In 10 years, it'll be rounding errors.

Or a different way to think about it - my ownership fraction is the same whether the share price is 200, 300, or 400. The only difference this valley might create, is it might entice me to increase that fraction. No money has been lost in the drop from 380 to 260 (and no money has been created in the run from 27 to 260).

So for me at least, I mostly haven't noticed this valley The investment thesis is better today than it was at the beginning of the year - Model 3 is coming out of the factory at a fantastic pace, and they're showing up all over where I live. I'm loving it.

Don't know. Up to a few months ago, I would not have worried about a slight bump/valley in TSLA stock price. But recent events have made me question Elon's sanity and the positive future for the company.

For a start there's the Model 3 disaster. They can't get production going the way it was supposed to. They are months behind schedule on their production goals. But that's not the biggest problem. The main problem to me is the abysmal quality control and the amount of cars that need redoing after delivery. There are numerous threads on this very forum about shoddy paintjobs as well as other defects that proper quality control would have noticed and eliminated before the car got into customers hands. This costs time, money and goodwill on the customer side, because even if apologists like some of us will be happy to put up with such a situation, the general car buying public - no matter in which country - will not. In the long run, this can cost Tesla a lot of sales, especially as ever more competitors join the scene.
Imagine buying a Toyota or Honda (if in the US) or buying a BMW or Audi (if in Europe or China). Would you ever dream of buying another car from one of those companies if the experience on the first one was as many here describe their problems with the Model 3? If it wasn't Tesla, I don't know anyone who would put up with such a kind of behaviour/experience.

Add to that all the unnecessary negative press Elon currently produces all by himself (Pedogate, Rogan-disaster, seeming unable to keep his sanity) and the fluctuation of important personnel in recent months and you have got the perfect recipe for a tanking stock and an uncertain future.

Up to now I was never in doubt about Tesla eventually becoming successfull and profitable. I am not so sure anymore.
Certainly NOT loving it!

 

[S4WRXTTCS]

Don't know. Up to a few months ago, I would not have worried about a slight bump/valley in TSLA stock price. But recent events have made me question Elon's sanity and the positive future for the company.

For a start there's the Model 3 disaster. They can't get production going the way it was supposed to. They are months behind schedule on their production goals. But that's not the biggest problem. The main problem to me is the abysmal quality control and the amount of cars that need redoing after delivery. There are numerous threads on this very forum about shoddy paintjobs as well as other defect that proper quality control would have noticed and eliminated before the car got into customers hands. This costs time, money, and goodwill on the customer side, because if apologists like some of us will be happy to put up with such a situation, the general car buying public - no matter in which country - will not. In the long run, this can cost Tesla a lot of sales, especially as ever more competitors join the scene.
Imagine buying a Toyota or Honda (if in the US) or buying a BMW or Audi (if in Europe or China). Would you ever dream of buying another car from one of those companies if the experience on the first one was as many here describe their problems with the Model 3? If it wasn't Tesla, I don't know anyone who would put up with such a kind of behaviour/experience.

Add to that all the unnecessary negative press Elon currently produces all by himself (Pedogate, Rogan-disaster, seeming unable to keep his sanity) and the fluctuation of important personnel in recent months and you have got the perfect recipe for a tanking stock and an uncertain future.

Up to now I was never in doubt about Tesla eventually becoming successfull and profitable. I am not so sure anymore.
Certainly NOT loving it!

I like the dislikes because it really shows that there is a percentage of Tesla owners that want to ignore the reality of the situation.

The Model 3 does have abysmal quality control, and a delivery process that's massively screwed up. Right now the entire thing is relying on forgiving owners, and promises to fix things later.

I traded in a 2015 Model S that I had an awesome experience with in on a Model 3.

Instead of being happy with it I'm instead angry.

Why am I angry?

I'm angry at myself for taking delivery for starters. I took delivery even though I knew it needed body rework to align the bumper to the body of the car. I noticed this during the inspection, and I purposely inspected the car before signing because I wanted to be free to reject it because of all the delivery stories I heard about. I wanted to the be the smart guy, but I still failed. Ugh.

I'm angry that the service center even had me come down. We're not talking about a nitpicking thing, but something way out of alignment. There was no way that the detailers there didn't see it.

I'm angry at Tesla quality control for letting such a thing out the door.

I bring this up because in the moment of delivery I was purposely trying to push out anything Elon related of out my mind. Where I was of the mindset of letting the car do the talking.

As a Tesla believer/owner this time were in right now sucks.

There is no getting around that.

 

[pend1971]

It's not the end of the world for Tesla. But you can see it from here.

 

[AustinPowers]

I like the dislikes because it really shows that there is a percentage of Tesla owners that want to ignore the reality of the situation.

The Model 3 does have abysmal quality control, and a delivery process that's massively screwed up. Right now the entire thing is relying on forgiving owners, and promises to fix things later.

Quite.
And that is exactly what I meant with what I see as the main problem. "Normal" people are not going to put up with such a situation.
Right now, Tesla still has the backlog of pre-orders to fulfill, but after that, they need positive word of mouth to keep selling cars. Experiences like the one you describe are certainly not going to produce positive word of mouth recommendations.

What do all those who disagree with me think will happen once even more competitors are on the scene. Yes, all of them are late to the party, but do you think that's not for a reason? Say what you like about legacy automakers, especially about "cheating and murderous" VW. But one thing is for sure, they would never rush cars to market with shoddy quality control, simply because they promised to prospective customers something and then couldn't deliver. I mean, what is the main reason for the shoddy quality control? It's the desperate need to rush out as many cars to (at least US/Canada) customers as possible, in order not to lose all credibility and to get at least mildly profitable before it's too late.

Oh and just for the record, for all of those that say that Elon's recent "blunders" don't affect sales: over here Model S and X sales have slumped for months, with August being a new record low sadly. And when I see how the excitement for the Model 3 I managed to induce in friends and colleagues has started to wane over the recent events and all the reports about quality problems galore, I am deeply saddened that all my efforts to support Tesla's mission might have been for nothing. There's only so much explaining away/excusing/extenuating one can do, after a while and ever more bad news, no is going to listen anymore.

 

[Xenoilphobe]

And...nothing happened. This would be a much more poignant quote if we were reading it in an underground bunker while the hunter-killer bots roamed overhead, but since the best heuristics available still can’t reliably keep my inbox free of spam, let’s just say I don’t worry about Skynet taking over any time soon.

The Lord of the Flies Program...

 

[Krugerrand]

I like the dislikes because it really shows that there is a percentage of Tesla owners that want to ignore the reality of the situation.

The Model 3 does have abysmal quality control, and a delivery process that's massively screwed up. Right now the entire thing is relying on forgiving owners, and promises to fix things later.

What are you talking about? 19k miles, no issues. Car is awesome. Have already sold a couple to other people and got a few more getting ready to order. Delivery process was just fine. A handful of people have had issues just like when S and X first came out, most are just fine.

Sorry you don’t like the car, but that’s not even a close representation of what the majority think. Next year Model 3 will be the #1 selling sedan in the US.

 

[Krugerrand]

What do all those who disagree with me think will happen once even more competitors are on the scene.

Even more?! We’re still waiting for the first one. It hasn’t shown up yet but we’ve been hearing about it for over 6 years.

That paper weight Mercedes just revealed doesn’t even have Model S 2012 specs and gets beat by a smaller battery Model X that we all know is impossible to build. No fast charging network. No frunk?! A grill? Bland exterior design. Compete with what? A Dodge Caravan?

Yes, all of them are late to the party, but do you think that's not for a reason?

Oh, there’s a reason all right. Been discussed at length for years on this forum. And the reason/s aren’t what you think they are.

Oh and just for the record, for all of those that say that Elon's recent "blunders" don't affect sales: over to wane over the recent events and all the reports about quality problems galore, I am deeply saddened that all my efforts to support Tesla's mission might have been for nothing. There's only so much explaining away/excusing/extenuating one can do, after a while and ever more bad news, no is going to listen anymore.

Now you’re being mellow dramatic and believing the media brainwashing.

 

[SteveG3]

maybe, with the podcast and the media coverage, Joe Rogan now becomes the first person with millions of people following their media (other than Musk) to become well aware of and start talking about the tremendous amount of false and misleading coverage of Musk and Tesla. Joe really likes to try to drill down and attempt to understand why things are happening... that could be helpful.

fwiw, here's what I just tweeted Joe,

.@joerogan Elon tells you he spoke to Obama, Congress, all 50 governors, about one topic- not his business interests, but our common life/death concern re AI genie leaving bottle. Elon repeatedly laments no one listened. Next day, wall to wall media coverage "Elon puffs on joint"

vistacruiser7 on Twitter

 

[dondy]

Quite.
And that is exactly what I meant with what I see as the main problem. "Normal" people are not going to put up with such a situation.
Right now, Tesla still has the backlog of pre-orders to fulfill, but after that, they need positive word of mouth to keep selling cars. Experiences like the one you describe are certainly not going to produce positive word of mouth recommendations.

LOL.

What do all those who disagree with me think will happen once even more competitors are on the scene. Yes, all of them are late to the party, but do you think that's not for a reason? Say what you like about legacy automakers, especially about "cheating and murderous" VW. But one thing is for sure, they would never rush cars to market with shoddy quality control, simply because they promised to prospective customers something and then couldn't deliver.

LOL. Let see what NHTSA says:

Potential Number of Units Affected:
280,915
Problem Description:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat
Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.
Consequence:
If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash

Emphasize mine.
Don't like cheap auto? Let check atlas.

Recall from may 2 2018,

The fuel tank on these vehicles may leak fuel due to a manufacturing error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."

.
In total 6 recalls for Atlas only in 2018. Shall I continue?
Really. Can you invent better narrative?

I mean, what is the main reason for the shoddy quality control? It's the desperate need to rush out as many cars to (at least US/Canada) customers as possible, in order not to lose all credibility and to get at least mildly profitable before it's too late.

There is no shoddy quality control. Reviewers comparing Tesla's mention "gaps" or fit&finish or when discussing first batch of "employee's" cars which would not simply be for sale in Europe, or comparing with BMW and MB.

Oh and just for the record, for all of those that say that Elon's recent "blunders" don't affect sales: over here Model S and X sales have slumped for months, with August being a new record low sadly. And when I see how the excitement for the Model 3 I managed to induce in friends and colleagues has started to wane over the recent events and all the reports about quality problems galore, I am deeply saddened that all my efforts to support Tesla's mission might have been for nothing. There's only so much explaining away/excusing/extenuating one can do, after a while and ever more bad news, no is going to listen anymore.

Here in Europe Model S is outselling MB S class. 16k vs 14k in 2017. This year the difference is going to be even bigger.

 

[Driver Dave]

As a Tesla believer/owner this time were in right now sucks.

Not sure about that.

Just was at a Tesla delivery center.

Tons of cars going out.
Tons of happy customers.
Striking how much more activity and energy there was since I was last there years ago.

Tesla successfully leveled up from Model S business to Model 3 business..

Bumps in the road to get there? Of course.
Tons of FUD articles attacking? Of course

But don't go by that.

Go by the numbers.

And numbers are pretty amazing.

Still more work to do, but based on the difference in business from say 2016 to 2018?

Big level up.

I love the time we are in right now.

Roadster - level 1
Model S/X - level 2
Model 3 - level 3

And judging by the delivery center.

Definitely stuck the landing.

The media just hasn't figured that out yet.

Looking forward to next level up, and many more after.

 

[Cosmacelf]

The doom and gloom here is an example of short term thinking. Sales are strong. Demand is high. Quality is improving. Upcoming products are great. Model 3 is a winner.

See the forest. Not the trees.

 

[ohmman]

Hey man. What are you guys talking about in here?

 

[N5329K]

Even more?! We’re still waiting for the first one. It hasn’t shown up yet but we’ve been hearing about it for over 6 years.

That paper weight Mercedes just revealed doesn’t even have Model S 2012 specs and gets beat by a smaller battery Model X that we all know is impossible to build. No fast charging network. No frunk?! A grill? Bland exterior design. Compete with what? A Dodge Caravan?



Oh, there’s a reason all right. Been discussed at length for years on this forum. And the reason/s aren’t what you think they are.



Now you’re being mellow dramatic and believing the media brainwashing.

I think we're some years before true competition shows up. And when it does, it will also serve to validate Tesla's EV focus and mission. Nothing to fear about any of that. Given current battery chemistry, without a convenient and seamless charging network the competition will always be chasing after Tesla.
Robin

 

[buttershrimp]

What have you done with buttershrimp? Return him asap so he can cancel his reservation!

Just a little nervous that Elon is on thin ice with the board and I don't want him to be forced out by evil forces.... When I said some the interview sounded like he was demoralized and a little depressed that's not that big of a deal.... that's life sometimes... but I just hope it's not self-destructive in some way as l want Elon to be happy and not in danger of a coup. I didn't say he made a mistake by smoking pot on youtube... I said it was making me nervous. If he stays where he is and we look back, no biggie. We will see.

I can't cancel my order if Tesla actually needs me, which is why Elon must feel better..... only then can I cancel my order. I have so much of a burden on me knowing that if I cancel my order, it will send shockwaves into the market and Tesla will fail..... Wow, I just realized I know how Elon must feel. I really need some weed now.

 

[S4WRXTTCS]

Not sure about that.

Just was at a Tesla delivery center.

Tons of cars going out.
Tons of happy customers.
Striking how much more activity and energy there was since I was last there years ago.

Tesla successfully leveled up from Model S business to Model 3 business..

Bumps in the road to get there? Of course.
Tons of FUD articles attacking? Of course

But don't go by that.

Go by the numbers.

And numbers are pretty amazing.

Still more work to do, but based on the difference in business from say 2016 to 2018?

Big level up.

I love the time we are in right now.

Roadster - level 1
Model S/X - level 2
Model 3 - level 3

And judging by the delivery center.

Definitely stuck the landing.

Looking forward to next level up, and many more after.

Yeah, it's important to look at all sides and not get too focused on the problem points.

But, I think you're missing the point of why I responded the way I did. I responded the way I did because I felt like people were trying to ignore the problems through deflections and pretending the problems were the media or in our imagination.

That the way Elon has been acting DOES put a damper on things.
The lack of communication from delivery specialist does put a damper on things.

In my own delivery experience the people that inspected their cars found problems, and were giving due bills.

None of us were allowed to test drive the car.
Most signed the papers before even SEEING their cars (which I thought was weird)

One couple didn't even inspect the car. They loaded up the car seats and off they went without a care in the world.

So sure it's exciting if you ignore the blemishes.

That isn't to say that people aren't excited picking up their new car.

That isn't to say that production numbers of this many EV's wasn't truly remarkable.

 

[Cosmacelf]

Awesome. Elon’s latest tweet concerning the boring company:

Not easy coming up with a good cover story for an underground volcano lair, but I think it’s working.

 

[Krugerrand]

Just a little nervous that Elon is on thin ice with the board and I don't want him to be forced out by evil forces.... When I said some the interview sounded like he was demoralized and a little depressed that's not that big of a deal.... that's life sometimes... but I just hope it's not self-destructive in some way as l want Elon to be happy and not in danger of a coup. I didn't say he made a mistake by smoking pot on youtube... I said it was making me nervous. If he stays where he is and we look back, no biggie. We will see.

I can't cancel my order if Tesla actually needs me, which is why Elon must feel better..... only then can I cancel my order. I have so much of a burden on me knowing that if I cancel my order, it will send shockwaves into the market and Tesla will fail..... Wow, I just realized I know how Elon must feel. I really need some weed now.

Watch the interview closer; he’s not the self destructive kind. Pay attention to his views on humanity as a whole and about people.

If you think what he did was smoking pot you might want to go see what the real pot smokers think of that. Never mind the fact he clearly stated it does nothing for him and it’s not conducive to being productive, which is a central focus for him.

And don’t forget, he never gives up.

Don’t be nervous, just go cancel that reservation already.

 

[Cosmacelf]

Just a little nervous that Elon is on thin ice with the board and I don't want him to be forced out by evil forces....

We have no idea what the board thinks. I very much doubt he is on thin ice however. If Elon is, the board are idiots.

 

[dondy]

We have no idea what the board thinks. I very much doubt he is on thin ice however. If Elon is, the board are idiots.

Elon doesn't have full control over shares, but he has definitely blocking vote still. All this whining about necessity or "inevitability" for shares dilution comes exactly from that.