Will current Tesla owners get to the front of the line over non Tesla owners when it comes to who gets it first?
Uh, no... Because Texas!!! And there really is no line. Just revenue gain, shipping schedules, and regional decisions for marketing and transport. Why do I say this? Sep '19 MY order, Mar '20 MY delivery with a VIN in the "First Batch" and we are in Hill Country (Car has been amazing, btw, inspite of all the Chicken Littling going on...). SS
No, I think moving to CA would put you up the chain more than being a Tesla owner. This coming from a former Plantation resident.
Except the CT is going to be made in Texas, not California. Tesla gave Roadster owners early access to the Model S but after that it's been on their own algorithms. Highest profit margin, shortest shipping times, configurations for which they have the parts on hand, etc. After they do all of that segmentation, then they will assign cars based on reservation order. So come on in, the water's fine
I wonder if there will be any alignment gaps considering that the side panels look like big cardboard boxes stacked next to each other.
If there is, it will be a disaster For a Tesla. The CT is at a car, it’s a truck and they are trying to steal F-150 buyers. It’s better have all the issues corrected before release to the general public. Better take a few months to get it right then come out with crap vehicle and destroy your reputation to the general non traditional Tesla buyers they are trying to convert.
Well that is the big question. This model should be simpler to build but at the same time this is a new material for them to learn. I worry that all of the straight lines will make it more obvious if anything is out of alignment - especially that crease right above the door handles. But I agree w/ @TessP100D, there will be delays as they work hard to get it right the first time. They are entering an extremely crowded market segment. Not just for ICE trucks but EVs too. Atlis, Ford, Rivian, and Hummer are all bringing EV trucks to market.
Alignment issues should be a non issue for the most part the only distinct body pieces that are joins not bends are the openings eg doors frunk etc ( somewhere around 7 distinct exterior facing panels ). which are all adjustable by design as opposed to the Model 3 which has at my count (from the parts catalog) at lest 16 distinct exterior facing body panels that all have to be aligned within mm's some of which are not easily adjusted
Logistically, being a Texas resident (and particularly, closer to Austin) should move you up the list quite a bit. People should feel bad for us Bay Area reservation holders.
Somehow Tesla is going to have to figure out how to sell the truck in Texas - doesn't make sense to make a truck in Austin, ship it out of state and then ship it back into Texas to a new owner.
Yeah, that’d be my hunch, too. After being an employee and your location, I’m guessing tri-motors would be the next in the queue.