[krondor]

This is not so different actually, and has been done in the past by other auto manufacturers (some may even still be doing this today). The Ford River Rouge plant is the best example I can think of with literal Iron Ore going in one side and finished cars rolling out the other.

Musk may have been inspired by this plant. http://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-factory-like-ford-plant...

[Animats]

Here's Tesla's supplier list.[1] Tesla makes the battery, motor, aluminum stampings, and plastic parts. They also now make their own seats and some of the circuit boards for the electronics. Everything else (steering, brakes, wheels, etc.) is outsourced. Makes sense; that stuff is standard.

[1] http://insideevs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/tesla-info.j...