Mid-Range Model 3 - gone

There has been some speculation the the new 3SR Plus with 240 mile range is really the 3MR with a software limited battery pack. I certainly don't know. But I do believe that Elon is feverishly pulling the "demand" levers to compensate for the phase out of the Federal tax credit at the end of this year. Who knows what kind of surprises he might have for us as the year progresses, perhaps a 3SR Plus with 264 mile range, the same as the 3MR.

 

most importantly, they are sticking with the 35k model.

 

agreed. i wonder what depreciation will be like.

 

yeah, i don't think that is gonna happen.

 

Kelley Blue Book: Tesla Model 3 To Be #2 Vehicle In USA At Holding Value Over 3 Years, But There's More | CleanTechnica
This article implies used prices won't plummet like original Leaf's did.

 

Not having the capacity loss of Leafs helps.

 

Tesla OTA updates helps resale value too.

 

BMW'S new T.V. ad shoots a shot at Tesla. "Don't let technology drive you. Drive Technology!"
Game on.....interesting statement, since most Americans don't want to be driven by their car!

 

That's not what the sales data tells us. Where did you get your information? I understand you don't want a car with Autopilot, even though you have never tried it, but you are hardly "most Americans."

Autopilot is an option on a Tesla, you are not required to purchase it. A Tesla can be driven like an old fashioned car if you wish ( and still beat the Fahrvergnügen out of a Bummer), but you won't get the full driving experience and safety of the most advanced technology on the road today. Bummer's ad shows how desperate they are to stop the hemorrhaging in their current sales. They are bleeding money, even on their home turf in Germany. Interesting that their ad takes a shot at their own BEV introductions that will come "later."

 

As of today, no $35k model available. No margin for needed cash flow. Promises are cheap. Cash is king.

 

and it won't be until the higher priced models slip below whatever threshold they need.

but at least they haven't pulled it off the table yet. even what is available is so far superior to bolt and leaf, it seems like a great deal.

 

What makes you say "no margin?" Where are you getting your information? People who have disassembled the model 3 say that there should be around a 15% margin in the $35K car. Elon says the $35K car will be profitable, particularly since economies of scale are starting to have an impact. Tesla's business model has always been to introduce fully optioned cars first with the strip down models coming later.

 

Ask Elon. He is quoted by Electrek HERE as saying NO MARGIN for 6 months. That was 5 months ago. And we all know how accurate Elon is about delivery estimates. Instead, they are constantly playing with options and packages to try and lure the bottom feeders to pay more for things that cost nothing, like "range" (software locked), advanced self-driving software, interior upgrades, etc. It's like trying to get a price in a flea market.

 

Here is a news report about a Bummer EV;
Firefighters dunk smoking $150,000 electrified BMW in tank of liquid to extinguish it | Fox News

I do not think this incident is common with the i8. Certainly not as common as an ICE Bummer catching on fire. My point is when a Tesla catches on fire, it is national news. When a Bummer catches on fire it is "meh, sugar happens."

 

I guess you haven't shopped for an ICEV at your local stealership recently.

 

Every major car maker out there has dynamic cruise control and lane keeping of some degree.

 

I only buy a car every 10 years or so. And I don't pay for "extras" that have no value. I agree stealerships do their best to get to my wallet, but Tesla is supposed to be different. They are "no haggle." But they keep changing the prices and packages. Desperation. At least my Toyota dealer had the Two in stock and was willing to sell it for a good price. But Tesla? No Two equivalent available.