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by bryanlarsen 2632 days ago
Contrary to the standard short story, there must still be significant demand for the 3 if Tesla is raising prices rather than lowering them. Yes, the $35k model 3 is still technically available, but obviously they don't want to sell them.

If there was little demand, they would rather sell a $35k 3 at no profit than idle their factory.
1 comments
reitzensteinm 2632 days ago
I feel like this is a bit of a strawman. If there's a "standard" short story, it's that the demand for high end Model 3s is too low, and the company can't profitably be run on the margins of SR/SR+ or even MR alone.

I'm not sure I believe it (Sandy Munro for instance seems pretty optimistic that a competent manufacturer could profitably make the $35k M3), but misrepresenting the argument does nobody any favors.

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dragontamer 2632 days ago
> (Sandy Munro for instance seems pretty optimistic that a competent manufacturer could profitably make the $35k M3)

Its pretty clear what Sandy Munro is doing however. He's trying to sell his consulting services to Tesla. His whole shtick is pointing out issues with their design and trying to demonstrate that he knows how to save them lots of money.

It doesn't seem like Elon is biting however. Munro's video was about unnecessary welds, and how various shapes could have been made more cheaply. Only IF Tesla implements those changes (and probably the other changes Munro was thinking about) could they save money.

Not that I don't trust the guy, but you gotta keep in mind what pays Munro's bills. He's selling his expertise.

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londons_explore 2632 days ago
I feel like both Tesla and Munro can point to those savings now... It's a real expert who could point to those savings back at the design stage.

Simple things like "these parts could have been combined into one cheaper simpler part" don't take into account the fact that by making them separate parts they are easier to contract out, easier to modify one without the other, and easier to correct issues when yield is poor on one.

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bryanlarsen 2632 days ago
The "standard" internet comment is that Tesla will be bankrupt in 2 weeks. :)
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