I think a lot of problems arise from everybody trying to appeal to the mythical
average person, instead of just doing interesting things well, and seeing who
likes it.
Tesla isn’t Ford. They can’t produce millions of trucks, and they’d be failing
in their mission if they did so. So it would be foolish of them to restrict
their design to only address a market that’s already well-covered by
Ford/GM/Dodge, when they can, instead, do something far more interesting, and
address a market that isn’t already served, but which is simultaneously still
larger than they can fully satisfy.
He took a bet that that niche wasn’t near zero, and he was correct. Knowing
what I know about diversity of consumer preference, I don’t think it was a very
risky bet.
-Bill
> On Nov 24, 2019, at 04:24, EVDL Administrator via EV <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
> Obviously I don't know anything about Tesla's reasons for the odd appearance
> and design of their pickup truck. However, despite the power tool
> receptacle in the bed, I don't think it's really aimed at the American work-
> truck buyer, or even the type who embrace the huge, burly, tall semi-luxury
> trucks.
>
> I read that the cargo area is too small to carry 4x8 sheets of plywood or
> drywall, for example. Also, I suspect that the typical truck buyer probably
> won't want something that looks more like the traditional pickup, which as
> you say, hasn't really changed much in 70+ years. So I guess that maybe
> they are angling to catch some of the folks who, like you, might otherwise
> be interested in a smaller pickup.
>
> However, I think that it might compete functionally and in terms of appeal
> with Tesla's own model Y crossover vehicle.
>
> Then again, I wonder how weill it will compete with anything, because of the
> radical styling. I forget where it was that I read this, but one writer
> compared it to the Pontiac Aztec. They don't look at all alike, but I agree
> that it might have the same kind of "trying too hard to be different" effect
> on possible buyers. GM was able to absorb that sales disaster, just as Ford
> swallowed the Edsel losses in the late 1950s, but I'm not sure Tesla's
> financial position can handle a genuine failure.
>
> However, 146k indications of interest is probably a good sign, so maybe my
> concerns will turn out to be unfounded. I'm sure it will suit some people,
> and I wish Tesla the best with it. Anything that puts more EVs on the road
> is good news.
>
> David Roden - Akron, Ohio, USA
> EVDL Administrator
>
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