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Near Death Experience? Tesla vs Auto Dealerships

Woa. This 5yr old post is spooky.
  • Iconic Michigan just settled with Tesla, Tesla now is selling & servicing direct there.
  • Tesla is now valued more than GM and Ford TIMES TWO...
  • The Superbowl TV ads were filled with EVs
We've not yet seen...
  • OEMs try to invent a new company and sell direct
  • Overseas Auto giants like Tata, Chery or Greely have not come to USA yet
This comment still rings true for 2020:
"This is an epic battle that you'll tell your grandkids. No need to stress, there's not a thing you can do but watch it all unfold over the next 5 years:popcorn:"

Should Elon Musk win, the dealer business (as we know it) will forever change.

Why? How? Let's follow the money...

#1) Tesla establishes a factory direct retail model (ala Apple)
#2) Wall Street money loves success from disruption. Wall Street investors reward TSLA (IPO at $19, 4yrs later now $240)
#2a) Money is power. Wall Street loves $TSLA so much, it's valued at 50% of GM's valuation
#2b) Wall Street expects Tesla will take this to the Federal Courts*
#3) If Tesla wins, they'll throw money at other players** to come and sell direct.
#4). OEMs will work hard at breaking off and selling direct (BMW & MB experimenting)

This is an epic battle that you'll tell your grandkids. No need to stress, there's not a thing you can do but watch it all unfold over the next 5 years:popcorn:

*“If we’re seeing nonstop battles at the state level, rather than fight twenty different state battles, I’d rather fight one federal battle.” Amy Wilson, Tesla’s Musk: I’ll Take Store Fight Federal, Automotive News, Apr. 15, 2013. [link]



**A few giant players: TATA motors of India from China big players there is Chery, Greely, Chang'an (Imagine a brand new sedan for $9,990) Chinese Carmakers Go Global - Forbes
 
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Overseas Auto giants like Tata, Chery or Greely have not come to USA yet

Byton is inking deals with large dealer groups (Penske rumored) to bring a hybrid "showroom" model to dealers. However, AFAIK they aren't selling the M-BYTE in the US yet. It is an interesting development, for sure.

I personally think Tesla would be doing itself a favor by franchising. They're relatively low volume and service/parts are major problems, deliveries are a problem, capex is a problem.

 
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