Comments on: Tesla Asks Investors For Another $40 Million To Start Its Engines. http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/ Startup and Technology News Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:32:12 -0800 hourly 1 By: Tesla Sedan Factory Coming to the Bay Area http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-2/#comment-2392486 Tesla Sedan Factory Coming to the Bay Area Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:43:00 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-2392486 [...] can be glimpsed driving down highway 101 near its discreet headquarters in San Carlos. But with $146 million in the bank, Tesla plans to expand into a more mainstream market with its sedan. CrunchBase [...] [...] can be glimpsed driving down highway 101 near its discreet headquarters in San Carlos. But with $146 million in the bank, Tesla plans to expand into a more mainstream market with its sedan. CrunchBase [...]

]]> By: At $130-A-Barrel Oil, Electric Cars Look Cheap http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-2/#comment-2331242 At $130-A-Barrel Oil, Electric Cars Look Cheap Tue, 27 May 2008 18:04:23 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-2331242 [...] pay for the $100,000 Tesla electric sports car pictured above (even assuming that it fixes its transmission problems). But with a $15,000 to $20,000 subsidy, we should get electric cars that are a little bit sexier [...] [...] pay for the $100,000 Tesla electric sports car pictured above (even assuming that it fixes its transmission problems). But with a $15,000 to $20,000 subsidy, we should get electric cars that are a little bit sexier [...]

]]> By: Computerized Stock Investing http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-2/#comment-2234881 Computerized Stock Investing Wed, 30 Apr 2008 01:31:02 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-2234881 <strong>Computerized Stock Investing...</strong> When seeking out an investing resource make sure that the transactions recommended are compatible with your personal investment approach. For example if the investor does not want high risk then don\'t adopt a process that derives its return from hi... Computerized Stock Investing…

When seeking out an investing resource make sure that the transactions recommended are compatible with your personal investment approach. For example if the investor does not want high risk then don\’t adopt a process that derives its return from hi…

]]> By: TechCrunch en français » Le meilleur de l'année 2007 sur TechCrunch US http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-2/#comment-1885348 TechCrunch en français » Le meilleur de l'année 2007 sur TechCrunch US Sat, 29 Dec 2007 15:57:34 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1885348 [...] Tesla Asks Investors For Another $40 Million To Start Its Engines. [...] [...] Tesla Asks Investors For Another $40 Million To Start Its Engines. [...]

]]> By: David Fox http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-2/#comment-1867799 David Fox Mon, 24 Dec 2007 00:00:52 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1867799 As a serious car guy for 30 years I was very tempted by Telsa. But when I stepped back and thought about it, its not a 'green' car. MPH is an ever less irrelevant - MPG is where the smartest minds need to be focused. Who cares if it blasts to 60 in 4 secs. There is NOTHING revolutionary about that. Is risking life and limb in pursuit of speed thrills a truly sustainable activity? (Fun yes, but just don't tag it as green!) I put a deposit on an Aptera www.aptera.com. I think this car successfully redefines the meaning of High Performance motoring. Sure, it will have its issues but it represents a more relevant direction than electrifying an Elise. Recent Aptera coverage at: http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4237853.html Good luck to Tesla. I hope they succeed. But I also hope they get cracking on something truly modern, rather than continue pursuing an outdated dream. As a serious car guy for 30 years I was very tempted by Telsa. But when I stepped back and thought about it, its not a ‘green’ car.

MPH is an ever less irrelevant – MPG is where the smartest minds need to be focused. Who cares if it blasts to 60 in 4 secs. There is NOTHING revolutionary about that. Is risking life and limb in pursuit of speed thrills a truly sustainable activity? (Fun yes, but just don’t tag it as green!)

I put a deposit on an Aptera http://www.aptera.com. I think this car successfully redefines the meaning of High Performance motoring. Sure, it will have its issues but it represents a more relevant direction than electrifying an Elise.

Recent Aptera coverage at:
http://www.popu...rs/4237853.html

Good luck to Tesla. I hope they succeed. But I also hope they get cracking on something truly modern, rather than continue pursuing an outdated dream.

]]> By: Tiga Beck http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-2/#comment-1866738 Tiga Beck Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:59:12 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1866738 Can you say Tucker, Vector, DeLorean and a dozen others that I forget at the moment. It's an old business model... it's called find a starry eyed market (in this case green idiots with newly acquired wealth) and you milk the idiots until their dry. Can you say Tucker, Vector, DeLorean and a dozen others that I forget at the moment.

It’s an old business model… it’s called find a starry eyed market (in this case green idiots with newly acquired wealth) and you milk the idiots until their dry.

]]> By: cl8ton http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-2/#comment-1865313 cl8ton Sun, 23 Dec 2007 01:19:49 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1865313 @51 - Reverse polarity of course ;) 0-60 in 3 sec backwards! You are right about the Boxsters BTW! @51 – Reverse polarity of course ;) 0-60 in 3 sec backwards!

You are right about the Boxsters BTW!

]]> By: Andrew http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-2/#comment-1864685 Andrew Sat, 22 Dec 2007 19:52:58 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1864685 @50...how do you propose the car go in reverse w/o a transmission. @50…how do you propose the car go in reverse w/o a transmission.

]]> By: mark http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-1/#comment-1864614 mark Sat, 22 Dec 2007 19:24:13 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1864614 Why does an electric car need a transmission? Generating torque to get speedier acceleration? No engineering information on the site to help. I would think an inducer and 4 AC motors would cut weight down and give you efficient speed control without the need for a transmission. Why does an electric car need a transmission? Generating torque to get speedier acceleration? No engineering information on the site to help. I would think an inducer and 4 AC motors would cut weight down and give you efficient speed control without the need for a transmission.

]]> By: PJ Brunet http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-1/#comment-1864597 PJ Brunet Sat, 22 Dec 2007 19:18:41 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1864597 I love the idea, building a beautiful electric sportscar. I love the idea, building a beautiful electric sportscar.

]]> By: Ballmer http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-1/#comment-1864290 Ballmer Sat, 22 Dec 2007 16:47:36 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1864290 steve ballmer said… btw. I have been accused of spamming your little blog or whatever here. Gimme a break! Do you people know who I am? Do you have any idea what I can do? Spam? I don’t think so! What I do, I do out of concern for my fellow man. It hurts me to my core to see you people sitting around using these little toy computers with candy looking interfaces. I beg of you! Save the children! STOP this Mac madness now, Vista awaits you, reality is out there waiting for you to join it! Just get up, slowly! Back - away from the keyboard. Now get the credit card, go to any electronics outlet and buy a Vista PC! Now does’nt that feel better? Glad to help. fakesteveballmer.blogspot.com steve ballmer said…

btw.
I have been accused of spamming your little blog or whatever here. Gimme a break! Do you people know who I am? Do you have any idea what I can do? Spam? I don’t think so!
What I do, I do out of concern for my fellow man. It hurts me to my core to see you people sitting around using these little toy computers with candy looking interfaces.
I beg of you! Save the children! STOP this Mac madness now, Vista awaits you, reality is out there waiting for you to join it!

Just get up, slowly!
Back – away from the keyboard.
Now get the credit card, go to any electronics outlet and buy a Vista PC!

Now does’nt that feel better?
Glad to help.
fakesteveballmer.blogspot.com

]]> By: FalconEV http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-1/#comment-1864098 FalconEV Sat, 22 Dec 2007 14:02:44 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1864098 Just get the darn thing running first, then add the speed later. or just get on the electric wave first with a two wheeler. It's really fun NOT buying gasoline... Just get the darn thing running first, then add the speed later.
or just get on the electric wave first with a two wheeler.
It’s really fun NOT buying gasoline…

]]> By: small cap stock investing http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-1/#comment-1863900 small cap stock investing Sat, 22 Dec 2007 12:24:01 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1863900 $40 million is nothing for car companies which routinely invest billion into R&D. $40 million is nothing for car companies which routinely invest billion into R&D.

]]> By: Nathan http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-1/#comment-1863752 Nathan Sat, 22 Dec 2007 10:54:02 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1863752 This project sounds like a USD 140 million swindle and a way to siphon money. First of all, why would anybody want to buy an American sports car, whereas all prestigious cars are Italian (sorry, Porsche and AM)? Second, the design is a me-too of a Ferrari F430. This project sounds like a USD 140 million swindle and a way to siphon money.

First of all, why would anybody want to buy an American sports car, whereas all prestigious cars are Italian (sorry, Porsche and AM)? Second, the design is a me-too of a Ferrari F430.

]]> By: micfo.com http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-1/#comment-1863627 micfo.com Sat, 22 Dec 2007 10:01:36 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1863627 I like exotic sports cars such as a Aston Martin, Porsche, Ferrari. I like exotic sports cars such as a Aston Martin, Porsche, Ferrari.

]]> By: Andrew http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-1/#comment-1863366 Andrew Sat, 22 Dec 2007 08:30:57 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1863366 yes they make a lot of money on them, but what I meant was that until the Boxster, the Porsche really wasn't doing that hot, sales wise. The Boxster really did save Porsche from having to sell the company to a bigger brand, because it allowed them to put out a second car that shared a lot of components with the 911 which cut on costs, and increased profit margins.(that $28,000 you spoke about) Also because of the Boxster all of those mid-level executives got introduced to the brand, so that when they stepped up to the next step in the career ladder, they could upgrade to the 911. yes they make a lot of money on them, but what I meant was that until the Boxster, the Porsche really wasn’t doing that hot, sales wise.

The Boxster really did save Porsche from having to sell the company to a bigger brand, because it allowed them to put out a second car that shared a lot of components with the 911 which cut on costs, and increased profit margins.(that $28,000 you spoke about)

Also because of the Boxster all of those mid-level executives got introduced to the brand, so that when they stepped up to the next step in the career ladder, they could upgrade to the 911.

]]> By: cl8ton http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-1/#comment-1863243 cl8ton Sat, 22 Dec 2007 05:39:49 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1863243 @41 … I disagree, the Boxster (986) did not really save Porsche, the bad management that decided front engine (water cooled ala GM style) is what doomed them in the 80’s Today, Porsche earns an incredible $28k USD per car sold!! Compare that with: BMW makes about $3,200 per car. Audi $1,580, and Chrysler and Volkswagen earn just $900 and $400, respectively. I am biased…I have owned Porsche’s for over 20 years! @41 … I disagree, the Boxster (986) did not really save Porsche, the bad management that decided front engine (water cooled ala GM style) is what doomed them in the 80’s

Today, Porsche earns an incredible $28k USD per car sold!!

Compare that with: BMW makes about $3,200 per car. Audi $1,580, and Chrysler and Volkswagen earn just $900 and $400, respectively.

I am biased…I have owned Porsche’s for over 20 years!

]]> By: Andrew http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-1/#comment-1863232 Andrew Sat, 22 Dec 2007 05:21:17 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1863232 @40...quiet the contrary the Civics and Accords are what keeps the brands alive. Compare Honda to Ford. Ford makes good SUVs, good trucks, Mustang is the highest selling sports car on the market. But the Focus and the Fusion don't sell. Honda on the other hand, accords and civics fly off the lots. And guess which one is profitable while the other loses money every quarter? Sure you might bring up something like Porsche/Ferrari/Lambo, and sure those are exotics that sell in small quantities, but you have to remember that those makes have pedigree. They have been making sport cars for more than 50 years. And even then...you have to remember that Porsche was on a brink of bankruptcy, and it was the cheap(by comparison) Boxster, that saved it. Because it made the car available to the common man. Most of this car brands are about upgrading, you start out with an econobox like a civic at 20 and then as you grow older you move into more expensive cars for that brand. Why? Because of brand loyalty. @40…quiet the contrary the Civics and Accords are what keeps the brands alive.

Compare Honda to Ford. Ford makes good SUVs, good trucks, Mustang is the highest selling sports car on the market. But the Focus and the Fusion don’t sell.

Honda on the other hand, accords and civics fly off the lots.

And guess which one is profitable while the other loses money every quarter?

Sure you might bring up something like Porsche/Ferrari/Lambo, and sure those are exotics that sell in small quantities, but you have to remember that those makes have pedigree. They have been making sport cars for more than 50 years. And even then…you have to remember that Porsche was on a brink of bankruptcy, and it was the cheap(by comparison) Boxster, that saved it. Because it made the car available to the common man.

Most of this car brands are about upgrading, you start out with an econobox like a civic at 20 and then as you grow older you move into more expensive cars for that brand. Why? Because of brand loyalty.

]]> By: Hal_76 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-1/#comment-1863204 Hal_76 Sat, 22 Dec 2007 04:37:17 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1863204 Great product, but time is slipping away. Disagree that they should have built an econo box first. Many have tried before and still are, but you will never recoup your cost selling econ boxes. There is not enough profit margin in a car that sells for under $20K. By selling a high performance electric sports car, which is contrary to everyone perception, they are appealing to the rich environmentally conscious sports car driver. Not to mention they are getting a ton of free advertising. Elon never said he want to be GM, just show what was possible with an electric car. Tesla and "Who Killed the Electric Car" finally got GM to announce the Chevy Volt. Which won't be ready till when? Great product, but time is slipping away.
Disagree that they should have built an econo box first. Many have tried before and still are, but you will never recoup your cost selling econ boxes. There is not enough profit margin in a car that sells for under $20K.
By selling a high performance electric sports car, which is contrary to everyone perception, they are appealing to the rich environmentally conscious sports car driver. Not to mention they are getting a ton of free advertising.
Elon never said he want to be GM, just show what was possible with an electric car.
Tesla and “Who Killed the Electric Car” finally got GM to announce the Chevy Volt.
Which won’t be ready till when?

]]> By: cl8ton http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-1/#comment-1863180 cl8ton Sat, 22 Dec 2007 04:07:28 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1863180 I was always amused by Tesla’s opening line. What’s faster than an Enzo from 0-60 mph ? Like this is the only measurement for super car performance! Come on Ferrari has legend here, from the days of Enzo Ferrari at Alfa Romeo and the Scuderia to multiple F1 championships! Any pelican heads here? ...anyone? ...oh well I was always amused by Tesla’s opening line.
What’s faster than an Enzo from 0-60 mph ? Like this is the only measurement for super car performance!

Come on Ferrari has legend here, from the days of Enzo Ferrari at Alfa Romeo and the Scuderia to multiple F1 championships!

Any pelican heads here? …anyone? …oh well

]]> By: ITrush http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-1/#comment-1863138 ITrush Sat, 22 Dec 2007 03:14:20 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1863138 Cool, I really appreciate this kind of information. Thanks for the links too! Nhick http://www.itrush.com Cool, I really appreciate this kind of information. Thanks for the links too!

Nhick
http://www.itrush.com

]]> By: Don http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-1/#comment-1863096 Don Sat, 22 Dec 2007 02:34:40 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1863096 Besides the impossibilty of breaking a profit, not enough people can afford this car to have any significant effect on the environment either. Maybe the smoke from burning all that money will block out the sun's rays... Besides the impossibilty of breaking a profit, not enough people can afford this car to have any significant effect on the environment either. Maybe the smoke from burning all that money will block out the sun’s rays…

]]> By: Joe Hunkins http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-1/#comment-1863084 Joe Hunkins Sat, 22 Dec 2007 02:26:01 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1863084 When the Tesla news broke it sounded like an extremely cool product engineered for those of us who already have everything else. Unfortunately this market is about 0.0001% of the population. Can they make all those capitalization costs back? Doubtful. Even at 100k per car you need to sell a lot of them to turn a good buck, and there are big companies waiting in the wings to make copycat, cheaper versions. When the Tesla news broke it sounded like an extremely cool product engineered for those of us who already have everything else. Unfortunately this market is about 0.0001% of the population. Can they make all those capitalization costs back? Doubtful. Even at 100k per car you need to sell a lot of them to turn a good buck, and there are big companies waiting in the wings to make copycat, cheaper versions.

]]> By: David Mackey http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-1/#comment-1863076 David Mackey Sat, 22 Dec 2007 02:20:58 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1863076 I appreciate these guys putting their money where their mouths are. I appreciate these guys putting their money where their mouths are.

]]> By: etavitom http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/comment-page-1/#comment-1862859 etavitom Sat, 22 Dec 2007 00:49:29 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/12/21/tesla-asks-investors-for-another-40-million-to-start-its-engines/#comment-1862859 wow. thanks for the interesting post.... wow. thanks for the interesting post….

]]>