Don't underestimate the importance of these flagship cars. They serve a purpose. Why do you think Ford has the GT? They are a test bed for new technologies and increase brand prestige.
I'll note the original date for the 5k and 10k/week numbers were end of 2018 and 2020. Musk pushed it by 2yrs so "floundering" seems unfair here.
Re:Tesla Roadster
by vermontdevil on Friday November 17, 2017 @10:50AM
(#15722932)
Ford does produce cars that are not for the "common folk". Same with Mercedes, BMW, etc.
I would prefer that Ford and GM not do this... I don't see how producing a $250,000 car will help the common folk, which is who Ford and GM serves.
Tesla had first mover advantage with their Model 3 and now they are floundering. GM's Chevy Bolt is out producing and out selling the Model 3 despite first movers advantage and all the 'good will' Tesla generated... Despite people saying 'GM could never do this'.
I also don't know why you would say Ford or GM couldn't do it when they produce vehicles that race in Nascar and have R&D for that sport.
Ford and GM are mature companies and expected to actually make money, while Tesla is expected to make good will and headlines.
I'll be more excited when Tesla meets their originally projected production numbers.