I want Tesla to succeed. I keep seeing posts about changes to cars on the line (fog lights, alacantra, etc.) and also Elon's new thoughts about production being too complex with too many steps. By subtracting lamps and headliner options, the line can accelerate, and I think the the line changes and rate of production Tesla is seeking are directly related. I'm not certain I buy the whole it doesn't work, delete it. I think it's more likely that it slows things down even more, delete it.
I have to think that the reason Ford can make 20,000 cars in a week or two is because Ford can make 20,000 exactly or nearly exactly the same with variations only in color.
I would propose Tesla create a few fairly standard model S configurations. They have data on what most people want now. Make a Car A (Tech, tan leather, 85), Car B option (No Tech, black leather, 85), . . . , and a Custom car. I would suggest if you order a Car A or Car B you can get a small discount on something like service over custom everything. Then, the line can have more cars with the same features moving on the line and this should be faster. People would likely go for $1,000 off service discount or something for a less custom car. A mild cut in margin to increase the rate would not hurt the bottom line, it would likely help it. Tesla would get a plus to sell service plans (people cashing in the service discount) and would be able to accelerate the line. Also, if you ordered a Car A, you could get it quicker. If you wanted a Custom, you could pay a bit more and wait a bit longer.
In the end for Tesla to win, production rate must increase, and production costs must decrease. This simple solution works for both problems and eventually will need to be the way you order an X or Gen III car so that they can optimize and accelerate the line(s).
I have to think that the reason Ford can make 20,000 cars in a week or two is because Ford can make 20,000 exactly or nearly exactly the same with variations only in color.
I would propose Tesla create a few fairly standard model S configurations. They have data on what most people want now. Make a Car A (Tech, tan leather, 85), Car B option (No Tech, black leather, 85), . . . , and a Custom car. I would suggest if you order a Car A or Car B you can get a small discount on something like service over custom everything. Then, the line can have more cars with the same features moving on the line and this should be faster. People would likely go for $1,000 off service discount or something for a less custom car. A mild cut in margin to increase the rate would not hurt the bottom line, it would likely help it. Tesla would get a plus to sell service plans (people cashing in the service discount) and would be able to accelerate the line. Also, if you ordered a Car A, you could get it quicker. If you wanted a Custom, you could pay a bit more and wait a bit longer.
In the end for Tesla to win, production rate must increase, and production costs must decrease. This simple solution works for both problems and eventually will need to be the way you order an X or Gen III car so that they can optimize and accelerate the line(s).
