Unlike any other auto company, you also have access to many people in the company, not just a press spokesperson. Many are engineers/tech types who might be overly enthusiastic (including Elon Musk) and not as well versed in PR as a professional. Yes they probably over sold it but in their minds, maybe their styling and drivetrain technology makes it the best car in the world even though it doesn't have enough cup holders. It's all subjective anyway.
I agree the engineering is actually key to get right from the start. Look at the Fisker Karma with the exact opposite problem (beautiful design and craftsmanship inside and out by most people's standards but sub-par delivery on the technology). Personally I'm willing to take a little hit on the interior if the tech is right and Tesla says it's working on improving it with a few add-ons after delivery. It sounds as this whole argument might be a moot point if they come up with a customizable system for the center console area that you pick as an option when you design your car (probably for general production maybe). They need to get the car delivered and working flawlessly while they work to improve the interior. I do wish they would have meet everyone's standards for this price category (and they still might) but I think they're off to a good start. Remember, the $100,000 Mercedes doesn't have nearly the part costs ($30,000 battery/engine) that the Model S does. As battery costs come down, that will likely leave Tesla more room on margins to increase quality of the interior (this is just a guess on my part of course).
I agree the engineering is actually key to get right from the start. Look at the Fisker Karma with the exact opposite problem (beautiful design and craftsmanship inside and out by most people's standards but sub-par delivery on the technology). Personally I'm willing to take a little hit on the interior if the tech is right and Tesla says it's working on improving it with a few add-ons after delivery. It sounds as this whole argument might be a moot point if they come up with a customizable system for the center console area that you pick as an option when you design your car (probably for general production maybe). They need to get the car delivered and working flawlessly while they work to improve the interior. I do wish they would have meet everyone's standards for this price category (and they still might) but I think they're off to a good start. Remember, the $100,000 Mercedes doesn't have nearly the part costs ($30,000 battery/engine) that the Model S does. As battery costs come down, that will likely leave Tesla more room on margins to increase quality of the interior (this is just a guess on my part of course).
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