2014 has been an awesome year for Tesla. It’s instructive to take a look back at what was accomplished and started in 2014 that sets the company up for a remarkable future. Sure, Model X was delayed and the rear passenger door handle on my Model S sticks sometimes, but those are the trees and pine needles within a pretty robust forest. Here’s what Tesla gave us in 2014 (whic=h makes me feel good about 2015 and TSLA):
Manufacturing
Gigafactory – Site selected, construction started, hiring ongoing. Doubles world LiOn capacity.
Fremont Upgrade – Plant expansion in anticipation of Model X and increased Model S orders, new paint line, lots of new Kuka robots, etc.
Lathrop – Facility acquired, undergoing renovations to augment manufacturing capabilities.
Tilburg – Continue to upgrade and refine assembly and shipping process to Europe.
Existing Vehicle/Model Improvements
Software
6.0 – Navigation, Calendar, Power Management, Suspension and other improvements.
Various 5.XX upgrades – Continual addition and refinement of features.
Autopilot Suite – Not yet activated, anticipated 2015, displayed at October reveal, arguably world's most advanced suite of autopilot tools.
Hardware
Autopilot Systems – Extra camera, radar, ultrasonic sensors
Roadster 3.0 – Upgraded battery, aerodynamics, and decreased rolling resistance = 400 miles
RHD Vehicles Released – UK, Australia, and Japan saw RHD deliveries
Titanium Underbody Shield and Aluminum Deflector Plates – Addressed proactively
Charging Adapters Replaced – NEMA 14-50 adapter glitches addressed proactively
Dozens of Small Improvements - Ongoing refinement and improvement in manufacturing. Examples include new vanity mirrors, bezel, etc.
New Vehicle/Model Developments
Model X – Alphas and Betas reportedly produced, launch in Q3-2015. Reveal soon (please).
Model S ‘D’ – Revealed in October, started shipping in December. Crazy great upgrade.
Model 3 – Working on design, no prototype reveal news shared.
Infrastructure
Stores/Service Centers – Dozens opened in North America, Europe, China, Japan and Australia.
Supercharger Network
More than 300 worldwide, exiting 2014 at an opening rate of >1/day. Essentially tripled in 2014.
Coast to coast connection, Canada started.
European expansion proceeding aggressively.
China expansion proceeding aggressively.
Battery Swap – Initiated on a trial basis at Harris Ranch supercharger.
Customer Service
Leasing Program – Ugraded and expanded.
Infinite Mile Warranty – Drive unit included in warranty for battery pack.
China Sales and Service Opens – Aggressive expansion into Tesla’s likely largest/2[SUP]nd[/SUP] market.
Retail – Expanded design brand offerings for clothing, leather goods, car accessories.
100s of Test Drive Events – Still bringing Model S to the masses.
Accolades/Milestones/Mileposts
Car & Driver 10 Best
Consumer Reports Most Loved Car
1 Billion Kilometers Driven
European 5-star safety rating
1600+ Job Postings
Veterans Hiring Efforts
I'm sure I missed a bunch. Please add. Happy new (and old) year!
Manufacturing
Gigafactory – Site selected, construction started, hiring ongoing. Doubles world LiOn capacity.
Fremont Upgrade – Plant expansion in anticipation of Model X and increased Model S orders, new paint line, lots of new Kuka robots, etc.
Lathrop – Facility acquired, undergoing renovations to augment manufacturing capabilities.
Tilburg – Continue to upgrade and refine assembly and shipping process to Europe.
Existing Vehicle/Model Improvements
Software
6.0 – Navigation, Calendar, Power Management, Suspension and other improvements.
Various 5.XX upgrades – Continual addition and refinement of features.
Autopilot Suite – Not yet activated, anticipated 2015, displayed at October reveal, arguably world's most advanced suite of autopilot tools.
Hardware
Autopilot Systems – Extra camera, radar, ultrasonic sensors
Roadster 3.0 – Upgraded battery, aerodynamics, and decreased rolling resistance = 400 miles
RHD Vehicles Released – UK, Australia, and Japan saw RHD deliveries
Titanium Underbody Shield and Aluminum Deflector Plates – Addressed proactively
Charging Adapters Replaced – NEMA 14-50 adapter glitches addressed proactively
Dozens of Small Improvements - Ongoing refinement and improvement in manufacturing. Examples include new vanity mirrors, bezel, etc.
New Vehicle/Model Developments
Model X – Alphas and Betas reportedly produced, launch in Q3-2015. Reveal soon (please).
Model S ‘D’ – Revealed in October, started shipping in December. Crazy great upgrade.
Model 3 – Working on design, no prototype reveal news shared.
Infrastructure
Stores/Service Centers – Dozens opened in North America, Europe, China, Japan and Australia.
Supercharger Network
More than 300 worldwide, exiting 2014 at an opening rate of >1/day. Essentially tripled in 2014.
Coast to coast connection, Canada started.
European expansion proceeding aggressively.
China expansion proceeding aggressively.
Battery Swap – Initiated on a trial basis at Harris Ranch supercharger.
Customer Service
Leasing Program – Ugraded and expanded.
Infinite Mile Warranty – Drive unit included in warranty for battery pack.
China Sales and Service Opens – Aggressive expansion into Tesla’s likely largest/2[SUP]nd[/SUP] market.
Retail – Expanded design brand offerings for clothing, leather goods, car accessories.
100s of Test Drive Events – Still bringing Model S to the masses.
Accolades/Milestones/Mileposts
Car & Driver 10 Best
Consumer Reports Most Loved Car
1 Billion Kilometers Driven
European 5-star safety rating
1600+ Job Postings
Veterans Hiring Efforts
I'm sure I missed a bunch. Please add. Happy new (and old) year!
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