Reuters: Tesla to start pilot production of 3 on feb 20th

[McRat]

For comparison, the Chevy Bolt began pre-production in March of 2016.

Actually some of the first Captured Test Fleet Bolts were at CES in Las Vegas CES early Jan 2016. The press was allowed to drive them. They started logging autonomous miles in SF in June.

 

[electracity]

Actually some of the first Captured Test Fleet Bolts were at CES in Las Vegas CES early Jan 2016. The press was allowed to drive them. They started logging autonomous miles in SF in June.

Pre-production is not just about assembling some cars to show. It's about designing production. Lots of standing around and talking about how parts will flow and how to organize the actual assembly. It's about taking the virtual workflow and seeing what was missed by doing actual assembly with real parts on the line.

 

[myblubu]

If there is some truth in the report, there could be a number of reasons.

1) They are rearranging the factory, not the S/X line, to better accommodate the model 3.
2) Sales are slow this time of year, so why not shut down for a week and do some maintenance/reorganization to prepare for a big push at the end of the year.
3) The S/X are getting a new dash. The long term plan would ideally have a major S/X demand stimulator ahead of the model 3.

Any details on the new dash for the S/X?

 

[McRat]

Pre-production is not just about assembling some cars to show. It's about designing production. Lots of standing around and talking about how parts will flow and how to organize the actual assembly. It's about taking the virtual workflow and seeing what was missed by doing actual assembly with real parts on the line.

GM first builds Captured Test Fleet cars. These are at first just pathfinders at assy, 100% of components are not present (they use parts from other models or mockups), and the some components on the cars are revised, and some tooling goes under the knife. Then they are heavily instrumented, and driven all over the US.

All these cars are crushed, sometimes over 500 vehicles. Why? They are not identical to the retail cars.

Then they build some 'retail' cars to add to the CTF. Only when this batch is tested do they prepare for launch. Sometimes the delays between the first and last CTF cars can be years like with the Blue Devil.

 

[MissAutobahn]

Any details on the new dash for the S/X?

Oh yeah, it's gonna be a great dash. You'll love it. It'll be the best dash in the world. Wonderfull. It's true!

 

[flamingoezz]

seems like people are putting the cart before the horse. they are likely producing a couple dozen cars for testing. we haven't even seen mules on the road yet and people are declaring the car will be out early.

Holy wow. I was expecting them to build a few handbuilt cars to show off during the final reveal, and then get some pilot cars built off the line in July. But the fact that they will, at least partially, be using the final line to build cars now. That is huge. If they succeed in building fully functional and driveable cars off the line by the end of March, they should be able to start volume production by July for delivery.

YUGE

YES!!!!!! Early early early. Yippy!

 

[ElectroFroggy]

How does one book a factory tour?

Plus you need to be an existing Tesla owner.

 

[400ev]

If this is true, this means the final reveal should be soon right ?
I can't imagine they would have test cars on the road before the final reveal.

 

[electracity]

Any details on the new dash for the S/X?

It is just something I say when given an opening. Eventually it will be true.

My primary point is that Tesla would want to have a major S/X demand stimulator to encourage potential buyers to not wait and see if the model 3 is good enough for their next car. But perhaps AP2.0 is that demand driver.

 

[dsvick]

The Model 3 line is completely separate from the Model S/X line. I don't understand why the current line would need to be "paused" to accomplish something on the Model 3 line that is being constructed or is about to be put into service to build the very first pilot vehicles.

I don't necessarily believe anything stated in the Reuters or Roadshow articles.

The actual shut down for a week has been confirmed by Tesla. As for why, the paint booth is shared by all lines so if they're working on that then they can't keep building S/X vehicles that will need it. It's also likely that they may have to do some temporary moving of things around if they are bringing in large pieces of equipment for installation.

Any details on the new dash for the S/X?

There isn't one (yet), he was using that as an example. Although, if there is indeed going to be a HUD on the Model 3 you'll see if first on the Model S/X ....

seems like people are putting the cart before the horse. they are likely producing a couple dozen cars for testing. we haven't even seen mules on the road yet and people are declaring the car will be out early.

Agreed. I don't see this as an indication of anything being early, just being on schedule. Which is still pretty nice sounding!!

If this is true, this means the final reveal should be soon right ?
I can't imagine they would have test cars on the road before the final reveal.

Most of the speculation has the final reveal being sometime in mid to late March. If they are really building pre production cars starting in a couple of weeks odds are the first ones will be for internal testing or done on their test track.

 

[dsvick]

It is just something I say when given an opening. Eventually it will be true.

My primary point is that Tesla would want to have a major S/X demand stimulator to encourage potential buyers to not wait and see if the model 3 is good enough for their next car. But perhaps AP2.0 is that demand driver.

If the Model 3 really does get a HUD, you'll see it on the S and X first ... there's your new dash!

 

[ecarfan]

Any details on the new dash for the S/X?

Nothing from Tesla or any reliable source. Just rampant speculation on TMC. As usual.

 

[ohmman]

mod note: threads merged and wishy-washy interspersion may result.

 

[larmor]

Not sure why HUD is even needed, with FSD car, multiple cameras and radars, prob more important is faster processing power and faster communication b/w car and mothership-servers.

 

[JeffK]

Not sure why HUD is even needed, with FSD car, multiple cameras and radars, prob more important is faster processing power and faster communication b/w car and mothership-servers.

Communication is never a guarantee.

A HUD is not needed but might be good to make people more comfortable with FSD. FSD isn't going to be anywhere near perfect right out of the gate. The general public might take a few years to warm up to it as well.

An augmented reality HUD would change the way humans interact with cars and make non-FSD both safer and easier. It could alert you to obstacles/pedestrians/animals you might be missing, it could give you navigation data without your eyes leaving the road, etc.

 

[alseTrick]

They claim their source says the Reuters article confuses manufacturing with parts ordering. And that doesn't make sense.

Simple reasoning and logic would seem to disprove Roadshow's sauces.

 

[smartypnz]

Checking my email every 30 seconds for my 'build' invitation!!!!!!

 

[JeffK]

Checking my email every 30 seconds for my 'build' invitation!!!!!!

You know it's at minimum 1.5+ months right? It'll definitely be after the 3rd reveal.

 

[McRat]

Simple reasoning and logic would seem to disprove Roadshow's sauces.

It's extremely rare that I join the Spelling Police, but I seriously thought for a moment that there was a Roadshow sauce.

I'm betting that was supposed to be sources? But if not, how does it taste on ribs?

 

[Model 3]

But if not, how does it taste on ribs?

Like the Model 3 - fabulous