Pictures of production Model 3s

[tomas]

This article probably explains why all those Model 3s were in that random parking garage....along with S and X's.
Build fast, fix later: speed hurts quality at Tesla, some workers say

Known as “kickbacks” within Tesla, these vehicles have glitches as minor as dents and scratches to more complex troubles such as malfunctioning seats. Easy fixes are made swiftly on the factory floor, workers said.

Trickier cases head to one of Tesla’s outdoor parking lots to await repair. The backlog in one of those two lots, dubbed the “yard,” has exceeded 2,000 vehicles at times, workers told Reuters.

If you are trying to achieve a high quality, high speed production process, this is correct way to go about it. You don’t slow down the process to deal with defects, you learn from defects, tweak the process to address root causes, then crank the speed up further to surface the next level of defects. That’s the only way to increase quality and volume. I’m not surprised that some workers, with pride and a stake in every car, feel pain every time there is a defect.

 

[JenniferQ]

You already configured yours, Jennifer? Jealous, but here in New England I'm waiting for AWD.

The Aeros do look pretty good on the silver - I am debating between blue and red myself, can't wait to see them in person.

Yes, I configured on Nov 23. I'm very pleased to be living in CA! Hope to have before xmas.

We decided on the 19s after seeing the larger wheel gap on the rear tires with the 18s. Figure we can always black out the wheels after anyway.

 

[scaesare]

If you are trying to achieve a high quality, high speed production process, this is correct way to go about it. You don’t slow down the process to deal with defects, you learn from defects, tweak the process to address root causes, then crank the speed up further to surface the next level of defects. That’s the only way to increase quality and volume. I’m not surprised that some workers, with pride and a stake in every car, feel pain every time there is a defect.

Agreed.

There's an interesting anecdote in the Model S ramp up days... they had to stack a significant number of produced cars because of a late batch of USB cables. They were a $0.50 part on a boat delayed from China, but they couldn't deliver the cars without them. It illustrates the logistical nightmare of managing a supply change... especially one ramping up rapidly.

So it doesn't surprise me they'll have kickbacks with the Model3.

As an aside, the article mentions this happening at times for couple thousand cars... this most certainly is referring back to Model S/X days... although seeing Model 3 coming off the line and stacked by the thousands would be a nice "problem" to see...

 

[Waiting4M3]

More truck loads at Costa Mesa

and here is the white one there (VIN #221) that someone else also spotted

 

[Waiting4M3]

Red M3 at Houston service center

 

[vigge50]

As opposed to other mfg's that simply deliver with defects to customers. Then hope they don't see or notice things that don't work.

On the Swedish Tesla forum an owner comment that article with a question if Tesla really do quality checks, too many cars comes back to service centers after delivery to fix everything that have been wrong under the manufacturing.

 

[chilman408]

On the Swedish Tesla forum an owner comment that article with a question if Tesla really do quality checks, too many cars comes back to service centers after delivery to fix everything that have been wrong under the manufacturing.

There is a cost to quality checks so it is a business decision. Tesla would rather pay the cost to fix defects after delivery.

However controversial this practice is compared to other manufacturers, this is obviously not impacting their business model.

 

[avoigt]

VIN 126

Welcome to Houston Model 3

Instagram post by Polished Detail • Nov 29, 2017 at 2:49pm UTC

VIN 17 (1:11)

 

[Waiting4M3]

Model 3 at the LA Auto Show

Instagram post by RPM • Nov 29, 2017 at 5:48pm UTC

 

[carms]

2 Model 3's spotted at the Buena Park supercharger in South CA. I was not unable to get pictures of the VIN's or close vehicle shots. While I was waiting for the truck to be unloaded he then proceeded back on the freeway North on the I-5. The truck had one grey and one blue Model 3 with sport wheels. It's a good sign to see more and more cars being loaded and delivered on trucks. I hope to see an invite soon to configure my Model 3. (Day 1 reservation in store)

 

[Mishakim]

Hmm blue is the only color I don't like on the M3. Here it seems very nice. Is it the light? Or a different paint?

Just the light, it has an amazing effect on perceived color. I actually have the opposite feeling -- I like the blue in other shots, but not that one, too bright.

 

[Zaphod]

Model 3 at the LA Auto Show

Instagram post by RPM • Nov 29, 2017 at 5:48pm UTC

Curious what VIN that one is to gauge when it was built. I would think since it is at the auto show it would been gone over with fine tooth comb...

 

[Zaphod]

VIN 126

Welcome to Houston Model 3

this is from the Houston car....I don't recall seeing the supercharging screen so prominent like this before. new software update?

 

[vigge50]

There is a cost to quality checks so it is a business decision. Tesla would rather pay the cost to fix defects after delivery.

However controversial this practice is compared to other manufacturers, this is obviously not impacting their business model.

If you have 100 miles(wish is short in Teslas case) you maybe need to take a day of to get your car to the service center and fix it, is that good customer service? If you have your own company, what does it cost you to don't work for a full day only because that Tesla didn't give you a car that was finish for delivery?

 

[MosquitoFloss]

I haven’t had a chance to actually sit in one to check head- and legroom (I’m 6’8”, so lack of space is a real issue for me in certain vehicles). The owner immediately offered to let me sit in it and get a feel for it...and I was quite happy with what I found:



I think it’s safe to say I’ll be using my reservation.

This is a huge help, thank you! I'm 6' 4" and I've been very nervous about the possibility of not fixing comfortably into the 3. Many cars fit legroom-wise but the roof panel makes for an uncomfortable neck-scrunch to see overhead traffic lights and such. I've been waiting a long time to hear a report from a tall driver. Thanks again!

 

[avoigt]

Thats what we want to see ! I could not count them but quite some M3s.

Instagram post by Anthony Williamz • Nov 29, 2017 at 5:56pm UTC

 

[kengchang]

Thats what we want to see ! I could not count them but quite some M3s.

Instagram post by Anthony Williamz • Nov 29, 2017 at 5:56pm UTC

Woah, that's a lot of Model 3 being lined up

 

[Trips]

Woah, that's a lot of Model 3 being lined up

They are not all Model 3's. I see a lot of Model S's and and X or two.

 

[avoigt]

VIN 635

Instagram post by Tesla Of The Day • Nov 28, 2017 at 4:52pm UTC

 

[dc_h]

If you are trying to achieve a high quality, high speed production process, this is correct way to go about it. You don’t slow down the process to deal with defects, you learn from defects, tweak the process to address root causes, then crank the speed up further to surface the next level of defects. That’s the only way to increase quality and volume. I’m not surprised that some workers, with pride and a stake in every car, feel pain every time there is a defect.

Best practice would be to stop the line and address problems immediately. I think the story is either bogus or hyperbole.

It is not my experience with blue collar guys to create a focus group and spontaneously reach out to the investment community or short position bloggers for a spot of tea. where did these sources come from? Why are these fired workers hanging with employees? The backstory needs some detail, cause this just doesn't sound authentic.