NYT: Tesla chief executive’s polarizing statements have alienated some potential customers

[Alanparkcity]

It's a fake narrative that Elon is killing sales. The most recent year, a Tesla was the best-selling car in the entire world in 2023. Not best-selling EV, it outsold every ICE car too. And it's on track to take the title of Best-Selling Car in the World this year too. That would not be possible if people were avoiding the brand in any great number because of Elon. Elon drives sales, but nobody can please everyone, all the time.

Only on a Rivian forum have I seen someone claim the best selling car in the world is a "weak product". LMFAO!

Sometimes it pays to engage your brain rather than be spoon-fed from the biased mainstream media and others who hate success. In other words, think about how dumb this narrative is.

I own a R1T. When we were shopping for an EV for my wife we test drove a Model Y and for comparison the Ionic 5. It was shocking to me how poorly built the Y was and how well built the Ionic 5 was. Certainly the Tesla had advantages in software and charging facilities, but not nearly enough to compensate for the initial build quality. After our test drive I asked to see another Y. (I thought maybe we had seen an anomalous Y) but the second one was actually worse. There were at least a dozen defects in body panels, interior finishes and glitchy software.

The Ionic 5 was close to perfect. Guess which one we bought.

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[MaskedRacerX]

I hear you, but I have not seen any opinion from him that is toxic. Do you have specific examples?

Everyone says stupid things, especially when it gets taken out of context. But toxic? Maybe you can help me out something specific that is not taken out of context.

He's f-ing terrible, so either you've just missed his various comments, posts, etc., across various channels, including Twitter (which he's managed to make infinitely worse), or you just don't disagree with them.

Either way, I think it's a bit too far off topic for this thread, but in my family's opinion, he's a raging POS

 

[mkhuffman]

I own a R1T. When we were shopping for an EV for my wife we test drove a Model Y and for comparison the Ionic 5. It was shocking to me how poorly built the Y was and how well built the Ionic 5 was. Certainly the Tesla had advantages in software and charging facilities, but not nearly enough to compensate for the initial build quality. After our test drive I asked to see another Y. (I thought maybe we had seen an anomalous Y) but the second one was actually worse. There were at least a dozen defects in body panels, interior finishes and glitchy software.

The Ionic 5 was close to perfect. Guess which one we bought.

This is a reasonable assessment based on a subjective experience with the actual product. But not purchasing one because you don't like Musk seems irrational to me.

For the record, I am planning on purchasing a R1T Tri-motor Max, not because I like RJ's personal political beliefs (I don't), but because it is a great product. The only thing making me wait is company viability. I need to be comfortable they are going to be around for as long as I plan to own it.

 

[mkhuffman]

He's f-ing terrible, so either you've just missed his various comments, posts, etc., across various channels, including Twitter (which he's managed to make infinitely worse), or you just don't disagree with them.

Either way, I think it's a bit too far off topic for this thread, but in my family's opinion, he's a raging POS

Can you provide a specific example? It is appropriate based on the OP, which IMO isn't really appropriate anyway. But since it seems to be allowed by the admin, so should discussion about it.

 

[MaskedRacerX]

I own a R1T. When we were shopping for an EV for my wife we test drove a Model Y and for comparison the Ionic 5. It was shocking to me how poorly built the Y was and how well built the Ionic 5 was. Certainly the Tesla had advantages in software and charging facilities, but not nearly enough to compensate for the initial build quality. After our test drive I asked to see another Y. (I thought maybe we had seen an anomalous Y) but the second one was actually worse. There were at least a dozen defects in body panels, interior finishes and glitchy software.

The Ionic 5 was close to perfect. Guess which one we bought.

I often said about our M3P that it was a $15K car, with a $50K drivetrain.

For folks who have to drive long distances requiring DCFC, the Tesla SuC network still has a bit of an advantage (since Teslas can [mostly] also use alternate DCFC networks), but that is definitely improving. Heck, just opening a chunk of SuCs for non-Teslas will probably solve the spotty coverage for 95% of long distance drivers.

EA and other are also improving, on a recent 830 mile round trip St Aug. >> Miami (daughter checking out Univ of M), then down to Cheeca, and back home, we only needed two stops, one down, one up and both times EA worked fantastically well (and as free).

 

[COdogman]

Can you provide a specific example? It is appropriate based on the OP, which IMO isn't really appropriate anyway. But since it seems to be allowed by the admin, so should discussion about it.

There are many to choose from, but this is probably the prime example:

 

[mkg3]

The issue - despite your framing - is not whether or not he can express his opinion. The problem is the toxicity of his opinion.

His (not that) veiled antisemitism, sexism, stupidity is the issue.

No idea who responded to the NYT survey, but here is another anecdotal data point: I have a M3, a Tesla solar system but won’t spend another $ with the South African neo fascist and bought cash my R1S ??‍

Two things. Many people say things that gets taken out of context that has costed their careers or livelihood. Musk has his share of those and whenever he says anything unpopular, people jump on. However unpopular and do not fit many people's tolerance, it is what it is. its your take versus others and both are entitled to have them.

The other thing is,I have no idea what you paying cash for your R1S has anything to do with what Elon has said.

I paid cash, from a selling small part of my Tesla shares at gains over 1,000%, to pay for my R1S. I probably will not buy another Rivian and that has nothing to do with RJ.

I kind of like him as the CEO of Rivian. As an executive, no so much, but its his startup and needs to be given the chance to grow into more effective CEO.

On the other hand, I think Elon is an extraordinary CEO with lots of faults. I probably won't buy another Tesla, unless the Roaster becomes reality.

The point is my buying decision has nothing to do with the CEO of the company. I generally do not buy the same make twice, since there are so many alternatives.

 

[Tango45]

But not purchasing one because you don't like Musk seems irrational to me.

Our society considers spending money to be analogous to speech, so while I acknowledge that it may not seem rational to you based on your beliefs and perceived linkages between those beliefs and the companies that you patronize, it can seem perfectly rational to others with different beliefs and perceived linkages.

…he writes, trying very hard to stay north of the “no politics” line.

 

[RedRaiderRivian]

Its NYT, what do you expect.

Also what are the actual number for the "some" of more than 7,500 people? Is it 3?, 100?, 1,000? or majority (more than 3, 750)? Vague and unsubstantiated.

People have been saying that for years. Not a new thing. Their circulation and readership must be dwindling more.

A vast majority of the readers who responded to the questionnaire were critical of Mr. Musk

 

[beyondgravity]

I used to be cheering for Tesla but with Musk's behavior over the past few years, I can't wait for others to take the EV mantle and run with it. I know plenty of people won't buy Tesla because of him. Forget there is a ton of competition now exposing Tesla's weak products.

I am one of them. I desperately needed a car and waited until my R1S. I will never ever get anything Elon touches.

 

[CrazyOne]

There will always be some who will be repelled and some who will be attracted by Elmo's antics. And a lot who simply don't care.

I have two families in my friends and family who have bought/about to buy Teslas. They would never vote red, but just don't care enough to not buy a Tesla.

 

[mkg3]

A vast majority of the readers who responded to the questionnaire were critical of Mr. Musk

Still not quantified. If "vast majority", why not simply say x out of 7,500 respondents? Or how about y% of respondent?

 

[CobraJerky]

I ABSOLUTELY would not buy a product from a company with leadership who peddles hate. I vote with my dollars. Hence why the model y I purchased a few years ago is the last product from Tesla I will buy. I no longer have respect for him whatsoever.

The last 2 years he has gone off the deep end. Same reason I cancelled my reservation to purchase a cyber truck. If there was a change in leadership, I would be happy to reevaluate.

I am no longer a customer of Tesla with this leadership.

/end rant

 

[RivianMatt]

No matter how you slice and dice it and argue the fine points about it, most buyers of Teslas and Rivians and many other EVs are of a certain broad demographic. If you're on these forums, you're likely in that broad demographic. And I can't tell you how many times I've heard over the past two years from many friends within the same demographic that they either won't buy another Tesla ever again or that they never will. And it's not because they dislike the cars; it's because they dislike Elon. The growing disdain for the man is real.

 

[mkhuffman]

There are many to choose from, but this is probably the prime example:

Yeah, that doesn't look good from the image you shared. I almost never use X, but I do have an account. I just went there to see if I could find that post and read the "Show more" part to see what the entire post is about. I found "breakingbaht" but he posts multiple posts a day, so going back to November of 2023 is difficult. Not sure how to do that without scrolling for hours.

The part shown is not something I would want to call "truth", but there is likely more there. Musk's response could have been to something not shown, IDK.

Do you have the link to the actual post? Not saying the image is fake, but that is always a possibility. The real X link would clear up that concern.

If this is the worst you can find, it isn't great, but from what is shown it is inconclusive at best. So still I have not seen the toxic posts you are referring to.

Maybe the real truth is not really what you want to believe. If he is antisemitic, why would he do this:

Elon Musk and the Israeli government have reached an agreement regarding the use of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite services in Gaza. During a visit to Israel, Musk met with President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, touring the Kfar Azza kibbutz where a horrific massacre occurred. While much of the discussion centered around comments Musk made on social media, they also ironed out an agreement allowing Starlink internet services to be used in Gaza with Israeli government approval. The specifics of this approval, whether case-by-case or blanket, remain unspecified1. Additionally, Musk announced that revenue from advertising and subscriptions associated with the war in Gaza would be donated to hospitals in Israel and a humanitarian organization operating in Gaza2. His commitment to supporting communication links from the Gaza Strip to internationally recognized aid organizations during the conflict has sparked debate, with Israel expressing concerns about potential misuse by Hamas3. Furthermore, Musk expressed his desire to help rebuild Gaza after the end of the Israel-Hamas war4.

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