[ajross]

Ford doesn't sell cars directly. Dealers get what they get, and if this month's new cars don't have Package A then they won't sell that. This happens all the time, just go to any auto manufacturer site and configure the car you want, then call your local dealers to find one. I all but guarantee you you'll find some option package that is supposed to be available but isn't anywhere you can buy it.

And that's my point. No one cares about that, it's just not news. It's "the way the auto industry works". Except for Tesla. Then it's an existential disaster. It's just exhausting.

[ethanbond]

My understanding is that people had already paid for a specific configuration and while they were waiting for delivery of that particular car/configuration, it got changed out from under them? This understanding of how this affects existing orders could very well be completely wrong... but if it's roughly correct, then it's more analogous to not finding the desired config at the dealer, then special ordering it, then waiting 3 months for it to arrive at the dealership, then you get in the car, then they say "oh by the way we didn't have X Safety System so your car doesn't have it."

I think people would justifiably throw a hissy fit about that.

[ajross]

> I think people would justifiably throw a hissy fit about that.

FWIW, that would be a better argument if the people throwing the hissy fit were the ones who actually ordered cars. Are you waiting on a Tesla, for example? Instead it's the peanut gallery of folks who just want to flog a point about the manufacturer out of some kind of emotional response. Like I said, it's exhausting.

[ethanbond]

Elon attracts the attention he does, both positive and negative, because he's regarded as a pioneer. IMO the general public does have an interest in trying to ensure 1) unsafe cars don't proliferate across public roads and 2) irresponsible business practices aren't celebrated.

Do you think the only people who had a right to be pissed off about Lehman Brothers' collapse were actual Lehman Brothers customers? This is all well within the public interest.

[ajross]

This is exactly my point. We started from a discussion about the availability of ultrasound sensors that the overwhelming majority of new cars don't even have and now we're on to "Tesla is unsafe" ... "Making changes to car configuration is an irresponsible business practice" and (sigh) "It is in the public interest that I be pissed off about this".

It's just exhausting. Can't you find something more productive to be outraged about?

[ethanbond]

I don't know where you get the impression I'm outraged? I figure this link is posted on HN because people like conversing about fast-growing companies and their practices, not because it's actually Tesla Owners Car Club News.

It seems extremely odd to come into a discussion then complain about how exhausting the discussion is and then stay in the discussion complaining about how exhausting it still is.

Also note: Most companies don't claim their cars are fully self driving (even with a Beta tag attached), so the analog to other cars missing these sensors is pretty obviously disingenuous.