[randyrand]

Also they own the repair market. You can't get your tesla serviced at a normal shop as the software, parts, and diagnostics are proprietary, so they could actually sell the car at a loss and make the big bucks on repairs.

I don't want this. But its a viable business model.

[syshum]

We will have to see how long that lasts

Right now there are not enough of them on the road nationwide to justify a secondary shops wanting to service them, however if they meet their goals with the Tesla 3 there will be

This will result in law suits against Tesla if they do not provide a way for 3rd parties to make parts and service the vehicles as there are multiple federal laws the prevent this type of locking down

Car manufacturers have tried this in the past, it always fails to work out of them.

[Tomte]

Won't fly in Europe. They will have to open up all their diagnostics and special tools.

[zild3d]

isn't it already flying in europe?

[ArloL]

Actually this is the way most manufacturers already work today. That's why they are so slow to shift to electric - less spare parts.

[agumonkey]

The parts were supposed to be reduced compared to an ICE. What kind of important parts would they service ? (open question)

Proprietary diagnostics is not surprising, not a lot of cars right now have that amount of electronics and software, it's probably reverse engineering to get a glimpse of the car brain on your own.

[TheSpiceIsLife]

From what I've heard Telsa vehicles rare in for warranty repairs at a higher rate than most other new vehicles.

"The main problem areas involved the drivetrain, power equipment, charging equipment, giant iPad-like center console, and body and sunroof squeaks, rattles, and leaks."

The most common problems involve replacement of the electric motors, warped brake rotors, door handles that fail to slide out as a driver approaches, and numerous squeaks and rattles, which may be more apparent given the very quiet nature of electric propulsion.

Other problem areas cited by Tesla owners are leaking cooling pumps for the battery pack, dead windshield wipers, persistent alignment issues with the wheels, and misaligned latches for the front trunklid and the rear liftgate.

Thus far, all such problems have been handled under Tesla's four-year/50,000-mile warranty (it's eight years and unlimited mileage on the powertrain)--and owners appear to be pleased with the level of attentiveness and customer service they have received.

But Consumer Reports notes that once the car is out of warranty, such problems could become expensive for owners of older Teslas to fix.

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1100561_tesla-model-s-to...

[agumonkey]

Oh I remember this now, but it's 2 years old. I dearly hope Tesla managed to install more durable mecano-electronics parts it would be a bad PR move to have the best electric motor / battery tech next to frail secondary one.

[overcast]

Yeh we don't need another John Deere.

[screye]

That is exactly how a lot of automobile businesses work.

Especially budget markets like India and the 2 wheeler industry.

[am1988]

Yay, no real concept of ownership.