Business Wars Encore: Tesla vs Detroit | Survival Mode | 2
Apr 26, 2023
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, dives deep into the tumultuous journey of Tesla in 2010, highlighting his undercover negotiations for a production facility for the Model S. He reveals the fierce competition against giants like Audi and BMW while addressing financial hurdles. The podcast also contrasts Tesla’s innovative strategies with GM's struggle to adapt. Musk reflects on Tesla's breakthrough with the Model S and the rising tensions with traditional automakers as the electric vehicle landscape shifts dramatically.
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Musk's Factory Tour
- In 2010, Elon Musk toured a former Toyota/GM factory in Fremont.
- He wanted to buy it for Model S production, despite having only $42 million compared to the factory's billion-dollar value.
The Deal
- Elon Musk, wearing a fake blood-stained tie, met with Ico Toyota at his Bel Air mansion.
- After a Roadster test drive, Musk offered $42 million for the Fremont factory, and Toyota agreed.
Detroit Auto Show 2010
- At the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, the Electric Avenue showcase highlighted the growing EV trend.
- Traditional dealers recognized Tesla's presence and the industry's need to adapt, though skeptical of full EV adoption.
