Reactions to Model X reveal event

[ohmman]

Ok let's have Tesla start acting liek that. Let's have them lie about emissions, have sticky pedals, and while we're at it have the make ignition switches that fail and kill people.

True. If you're good at communication, you have to do that stuff too. Completely forgot about that linkage.

 

[Drucifer]

I
Last week I picked up a new iPhone at the Apple Store. I had a short wait of about 10 minutes. An Apple employee offered me a bottle of water and said, "Sorry for the wait; we'll get you your phone as soon as possible." As I left every Apple employee said, "Thanks for coming in." I felt like a valued customer.

I went to get my wife an iPhone 6 when it came out. I waited in a line that didn't move for about an hour, left disgusted, and ordered the damn phone on line and activated it at my house and transferred all her personal crap myself using her iWhateverthehellcloudaccount.

Every time I walked into a Tesla store, I have been immediately greeted and my business handled quickly and professionally.

Just saying we all have different experiences.

 

[beeeerock]

First, I think we have to recognize that the people here, for the most part, bought the roadster or Model S (or both!). That makes us predominantly 'car people', so an SUV isn't going to impress us very easily.

Having said that, I thought the X looked pretty good *for an SUV*.... And I think it will be an attractive option for the SUV crowd. Certainly it appeals to me more than the competition, whether the seats fold or not. The Utility is there now. Being able to tow *anything* is a big improvement all on its own. Range will be impacted I'm sure, but it proves it can be done.

All in all, I think they've got a winner in the X. Sure hope so anyway!

Just sucks that we don't have the Bio-Shield in the Model S... :tongue:

 

[aznt1217]

I think Elon is a wonderful presenter. He has far more passion and enthusiasm for what he's actually doing than any CEO out there.

Regarding the air filter, I just really hope that someday the haters never experience a natural disaster that affects air quality, or ever develop respiratory illnesses. Shame on you for putting down a very important safety feature that will immensely improve the quality of living for millions with respiratory illnesses, and for those living in heavily-polluted areas like urban Chinese areas. If this grade of air filter was equipped as standard in cars, there would have been far fewer cancer and respiratory deaths from the 9/11 attacks.

To everyone who wants to cancel their MX as a result of the demonstration and pick up a competitor: LOL. Have fun with a competitor, it's not my money being wasted...



Average mass market consumers never watch presentations or keynote speeches like that. Musk is incredible at presenting how revolutionary his products are, which sits well with his audience of fans that understand the impact of his products. Sales employees at service centers, and owners are the ones who actually rope average mass market consumers into a purchase.[/FONT][/COLOR]

Air filter was more for smells getting into the car and allergies. Trust me this will be huge for families.

 

[yoyo]

the biodefense airfilter is perfect. up here skunk road kills are so common, yeap, perfect defense against that - priceless

 

[gizmoboy]

I hear a lot of this around here. Tesla's a small, youthful company, they're figuring things out, etc. I get that they're cash-constrained, hence the recent offering. I also get that they're young. However, they're also a company with a market cap of $32B, which is higher than most auto manufacturers out there. To expect them to improve their public facing side and their communication game is a reasonable expectation, in my view.

Market cap isn't everything; they are a much smaller company in reality than their cap might suggest. And they are definitely a young company still figuring out some things, and their priority is clearly on mission and product rather than messaging. They need to get better at the latter for sure, but it's quite possible that if they were too much better they'd be out over their skis WRT what they can actually produce. I can definitely see the argument that the long view suggests they need to be better now, but I think that's far from proven (though definitely feels true to me).

 

[X-Wing]

Ok let's have Tesla start acting liek that. Let's have them lie about emissions, have sticky pedals, and while we're at it have the make ignition switches that fail and kill people.

I am not interested in forum arguments as it is a waste of time and bandwidth.

I do wanna use this as an example of fanatical response that I see on Tesla related discussions. Having a strong enthusiastic following is critical to the success of Tesla, but it is also a double edged sword that can drive people new to the brand away from the brand.

Tesla should not act like GM/VW, but sure can learn a thing or two from Ritz Carlton perhaps.

 

[napabill]

My "reaction" was to be insulted by the failed logistics. time wasted in terms of hours, and "disco nightclub" nonsense of the 90's. Idiotic "security" staff trying to corral hundreds of people into a situation where it became apparent there was no cause for all the pushing and shoving -- they just wanted it to look like a bigger clusterf$ck than it already had become. Idiotic marketing mopes trying to get a crowd of people crammed together so their drone can fly over and get video of the make-believe crush of people ... myself being in that crush, before we decided to step aside and let the cattle herd themselves, I'd say not 1% of them were people with an order being built in the next 20,000 cars, if at all.
Why didn't they alert customers that it would be a ridiculous frenzy of holiday weekend bargain shoppers rushing through the doors of department stores only to realize, just like last holiday "black Friday" sales, the prices are unremarkable, just like the products.

It was laughable but painfully so, and in the hour spent waiting outside the factory building some of us realized sooner than others that it was a farce and made our way past the bored "security" staff to the bar ... at least that was ready for entertainment! And that's where they'd lined up enough portapoties for maybe half the awaiting bladders ... and they didn't even get a decent gin! : )

The scene of unmitigated chaos certainly reflected badly on the car and on the company. The idle "security" staff only going to show the whole purpose of the event was to create artificial anticipation and expectation. Instead, it backfired in crowds of "how much longer?" comments. The negative sentiment was palpable. Tesla management need to rethink this kind of stunt marketing nonsense. We could have been in a relaxed environment while the "show" started 90 minutes late after being asked to arrive 90 minutes early ... that's 3 hours of dead time ... and meanwhile we were basically standing outside the factory while the bloggers took photos of the car we've been seeing for months. Ludicrous became idiotic.

The car itself is great and Elon Musk was clearly relieved to sneak inside the "Q3" deadline by a day or two, so I think the car is set to change the way the auto industry expects customers will make premium brand purchase decisions. If I was a Porsche, Mercedes or BMW executive, I'd be looking for a new line of work, because I have to expect to be underperforming for at least the next couple of years till demand for the Model X can be satisfied ... even then, it's realistically 2018 or 2019 before these marques "promise" to bring their version 1.0 products to market while Tesla will already be on its n'th update. Most importantly, the cabin of the X needs an immediate refresh -- it's clearly dated and compromised. I assume this was a compromise to focus on the second row seats and doors. Fair enough. And the Model S needs to be face-lifted to the promises and claims of the Model X features and benefits. So that means a short term stall in Model S sales while informed customers wait for the S to be retrofitted with Model X content.

I think the Model X has created a lot of work for Tesla. Hopefully it has also created enough revenue to bridge the chasm to the mainstream. Musk has the S and the X in his SEX toy. Will the Model E for "everyone" deliver? I think if you took just 10% of the Model X and put it in a compact sedan, the Model E or Model 3 would and will be a game changer. But Mr Musk, if you're reading, you owe me three hours plus costs ...

+1 Couldn't agree more. What scares me is that the same people that created the event last night, also have a hand in designing a very sophisticated piece of machinery. It was an embarrassment and will be the last Tesla event I attend. My reservation is in the 16,000 range, and I'm betting I won't be configuring until 2017.

 

[Lloyd]

Food was Terrible!! Undercooked and dangerous IMO. Too much alcohol with too little food for the crowd.

Elon was his normal self, and late, was supposed to start at 8, almost an hour late, but expected I guess.

Expected more with autopilot progress, mirrors transition to cameras, folding seat options. colors available, charging options.

stockholders expected more also. Down this am.

 

[tonyinc]

It is very strange that they seemed to avoid letting anyone fold down the 3rd row. I am starting to wonder if to fold the 3rd row seats down, the 2nd row needs to be pushed all the way forward. This would mean to haul any significant cargo, the car becomes a 2 seater. Does anyone have any pics or video of the third row folded down?

 

[AudubonB]

Good morning everybody and welcome from the Madding Crowd portion of Audie's life (we arrived from the safety of the Heart of the Alaska Range just last afternoon....thus just in time to revel in real bandwidth so we could watch the X Reveal presentation).

As this thread is entitled "Reactions to the Event", I'll keep to that. Summarizing, I would say it was a mediocre presentation of a seemingly outstanding product.

* I share a lot of the personality defects of Mr Musk, and ​precisely because of that I have taught myself to go the extra mile and make others feel good when I screw up, as I often do. I'll leave that comment for now; it is, however, worthy of further discussion in some other thread-venue.

* What the event did reveal about the X is, as we collectively hoped and expected, either impressive or extremely impressive:
* Tesla's engineers did indeed, it appears, create a marvel with the falcon doors, with their ability to adjust to confining side and ceiling constrictions, and their metal-penetrating sensors that enable the car to avoid having protruding 'pucks'. Having two planes within which to emplace child seats, groceries, luggage is indeed a real advance in a vehicle's usefulness, comfort...and health (not mentioned in presentation - my own observation). Lower back specialists around the world should be cringing at the future loss of business.
* The advanced filtration system is a fine out-of-the-box challenge to other automakers.
* Other than that we have come to expect Tesla to boggle our minds with performance, the acceleration data for the car would be mind-boggling. So let's collectively step back 48 months and say, "Great Scott!"
* The same reaction is appropriate for the safety data for the X. Wow.
* I believe the windshield will be an ever-present joy for the driver and front-seat passenger, and a significant boon for the other occupants.


* What the event did not reveal is a frustration for consumers and a kick in the keister for investors. Not a kick in the teeth - teeth don't heal. What wan't shown last night will become known as time progresses. But, as enumerated in earlier posts in this thread, an awful lot of necessary information was not presented last night.

* Other than TM's & Mr Musk's rudeness, the other forehead-slapping reaction I have concerns the filtration system. If I were a gambling person, I would be willing to wager my entire investment in TSLA that 99 out 100 - and likely a full 100 - of marketing consultants would agree with me that little button should have been called and presented as a Biohazard Defense Mode rather than "Bioweapon...". The former is sobersided, forethinking and impressive marketing for regions like China and many urban megamarkets. The latter smacks of too many late night bad movies.

Personally, I was and remain in the camp of those who were hoping that, since TM decided not to challenge the #1 North American auto sector - the pickup truck - but rather the #2 SUV/CUV sector, that it would, regardless, magically create a CUV-that-really-was-a-pickup-in-its-UTILITY-anyway, and blow away both those markets. Alas, it appears that will not be the case. A pity, but reality does have a role to play, doesn't it?

 

[eloder]

stockholders expected more also. Down this am.

No, that's "welcome to typical TSLA behavior."

Musk announced a potential multi-trillion dollar business with energy storage and the stock was still down in the AM.

There hasn't been a single product reveal with Tesla that has made TSLA rise in the morning moreso than the index. That includes every variant and version of the MS that has made this company so wildly popular.

 

[efusco]

I've just assumed that I'll drop my trailer, charge, and hook up again. That doesn't seem all that difficult (I do that frequently, anyway). It's pretty simple to do ...

Maybe, but if you're towing a trailer across the country on a trip you have to assume dramatically reduced range and therefore more frequent charging...maybe every 2 hours or so? YOu could be unhooking/reconnecting 4-5 times per day. Not "difficult" but annoying and inconvenient, particularly if it's snowing or raining or particularly hot or cold outside.

I do hope that Tesla installs dedicated stations for those towing--pull-through type spots.

 

[nienco2]

Personally I don't care for overly slick presentations. On the other hand when keeping people waiting fro an hour with out a sincere apology, or explanation smacks of arrogance. For a presentation perhaps no big deal but if that same arrogance carries over in design decisions, ie. no fold down rear seats or cupholders, then there is a bigger problem. Focus group of soccer moms want insane air filter but not cup holders for the kids drinks? Kind of hard to believe IMHO

 

[ecarfan]

Did anyone notice that the ultrasonic sensors are now invisible and work through sheet metal? The bumpers are so much cleaner now.

My understanding from the presentation is that the ultransonic sensors in the Falcon Wings are a new design that can operate through the metal door surface. This was done so there would not be multiple small circles of a different, plastic, material. For aesthetic reasons. I think that is pretty cool.
I think the ultrasonic sensors on the bumpers are the same as the S so there are little circles where the are located, lime on all other cars that have them as far as I know.

 

[Dutchie]

Someone isn't happy...

Dear @ElonMusk: You should be ashamed of yourself

I totally agree, Elon is a dork, the whole world is watching and you come 50 minutes late without an excuse on one of the most important presentations of the year! What kind of impression do you give to the world of you and your company? I know Elon is not a great talker and he should know that from himself too. The speech he gave was below par, even for him. Surely he could have rehearsed the presentation? Maybe it would be better that he would do a short intro and let another person do the bulk of the presentation.
The items he pointed out on the car are great, but he could have given more information if he were not to go on and on about the great air filters. The air filters could do with one bullet point.

On the car itself, we just were shown a few tidbits. Why not give a more comprehensive presentation including the interior of the car and who what all the new features benefit you as a customer! Why not have made a short promotional film?

The car might be great, I just don't know yet. The presentation was amaturistic.

 

[bonnie]

I assumed it would start late, but not that late. As a result, we all left with Elon still handing out cars. (Had to take off in time to get into the home airport before it closed.) No 'up close and personal with the X' for me last night.

Was great to see the folks that I did, the flight in an unnamed forum member's jet was fun ... but had it started closer to on time, I might have actually been able to see some new things. As it was, I moved to the other room (less crowded) and watched most of it on a big screen.

On the plus side, Tesla clearly fixed the traffic problems that they had at the D event in Hawthorne & I'm appreciative of that. Lines moved quickly, this was clearly an upgraded experience. So thanks to the team for listening to feedback from past events and improving. It seemed pretty smooth and seamless.

 

[MrJones390]

Too much emphasis on babies; although, maybe parents with babies are the most ready to shell out cash.

 

[davidc18]

Watched the presentation this morning and was left underwhelmed and surprised at how un-polished it was. The entire event seemed like it was put together at the last minute. When it was over, I felt bad for Tesla.

 

[CarlK]

3.2 seconds 0-60 is going to make Porsche really sad... it's not like they don't already have enough going on at the moment, without being kicked off the "fastest SUV" perch.

Not just being kicked off the fastest SUV perch but MX also took the crown of as the safest, most comfotable back seat entry and the cleanest inside or outside, SUV. Porsche has been selling tons of Cayennes especially in China. Some of what Tesla did like back seat and HEPA filter apparently are at least partly geared toward that market. I'm sure Porsche executives were up watching the revealing event and they probably will lose more nights of sleep after seeing what they saw.