[CARDEEP]

Originally Posted by Ritzvxi

Here is a befitting reply from Elon Musk on the safety concerns in Tesla S:

The Mission of Tesla

Please tell me where in the world, would you read this sort of commitment from the CEO of a Company.

Big fan of Elon Musk!

Hi @Ritzvxi

Thank you for the link... however, what do you expect from him otherwise. He is bound to make such statements & commitments, lest the buyers will run away.

Moreover, his/ company's commitment is bound to be on resolving the issue, & come out of the mess, when there are fire at a pace more than the Supercars & Nanos; there is a probe on the 3 fire incidents in 5 weeks; & the investors & public confidence is waning.

IMO this is as bad as Nano fire incidents, if not worst, after all these cars are not made to certain cost.

[Ritzvxi]

Originally Posted by CARDEEP

Hi @Ritzvxi

Thank you for the link... however, what do you expect from him otherwise. He is bound to make such statements & commitments, lest the buyers will run away.

Moreover, his/ company's commitment is bound to be on resolving the issue, & come out of the mess, when there are fire at a pace more than the Supercars & Nanos; there is a probe on the 3 fire incidents in 5 weeks; & the investors & public confidence is waning.

IMO this is as bad as Nano fire incidents, if not worst, after all these cars are not made to certain cost.

Pleasure CARDEEP!

I agree that, Car occupants safety has to be the top most priority under any circumstance, to which Elon Says:

Our primary concern is not for the safety of the vehicle, which can easily be replaced, but for the safety of our customers and the families they entrust to our cars. Based on the Model S track record so far, you have a zero percent chance of being hurt in an accident resulting in a battery fire, but what about other types of accidents? Despite multiple high-speed accidents, there have been no deaths or serious injuries in a Model S of any kind ever. Of course, at some point, the law of large numbers dictates that this, too, will change, but the record is long enough already for us to be extremely proud of this achievement

Also, he cares to mentions that at some point that the stats will change, but I think isn't using the best available technological advances to ensure passenger safety the best foot forward, which Tesla has proved to have used. Below is an example of the same.

The Model S battery pack has internal firewalls between the 16 modules and a firewall between the battery pack and passenger compartment.

From a Model S owner in Tennessee

Excerpts from the link above:

About one minute later, the message on the dashboard display read, "Please pull over safely. Car is shutting down." I was able to fully control the car the entire time and safely pulled off the left shoulder on the side of the road. I got out of the car, and started to get all my belongings out.

I am thankful to God that I was totally uninjured in any way from this impact. Had I not been in a Tesla, that object could have punched through the floor and caused me serious harm. From the time of impact of the object until the time the car caught fire was about five minutes. During this time, the car warned me that it was damaged and instructed me to pull over. I never felt as though I was in any imminent danger. While driving after I hit the object until I pulled over, the car performed perfectly, and it was a totally controlled situation. There was never a point at which I was anywhere even close to any flames.

No flames ever reached the cabin, and nothing inside was damaged. I was even able to get my papers and pens out of the glove compartment.

And last but not the least:

This experience does not in any way make me think that the Tesla Model S is an unsafe car. I would buy another one in a heartbeat.

Juris Shibayama, MD

Now I would like to comment on "Tesla's commitment on resolving the issue and coming out of the mess":

Actually here we need to know that, the fire was caused because of external factors and not due any of the Car's shortcomings.

Actions taken by Tesla and conveyed by the CEO himself:

First:

We have rolled out an over-the-air update to the air suspension that will result in greater ground clearance at highway speeds. To be clear, this is about reducing the chances of underbody impact damage, not improving safety. The theoretical probability of a fire injury is already vanishingly small and the actual number to date is zero. Another software update expected in January will give the driver direct control of the air suspension ride height transitions.

Second:

We have requested that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conduct a full investigation as soon as possible into the fire incidents. While we think it is highly unlikely, if something is discovered that would result in a material improvement in occupant fire safety, we will immediately apply that change to new cars and offer it as a free retrofit to all existing cars.

Third:

To reinforce how strongly we feel about the low risk of fire in our cars, we will be amending our warranty policy to cover damage due to a fire, even if due to driver error. Unless a Model S owner actively tries to destroy the car, they are covered. Our goal here is to eliminate any concern about the cost of such an event and ensure that over time the Model S has the lowest insurance cost of any car at our price point. Either our belief in the safety of our car is correct and this is a minor cost or we are wrong, in which case the right thing is for Tesla to bear the cost rather than the car buyer.

If this is not a commitment and effort to resolve the issue, then what is?

CARDEEP,

My reply is not to cross or correct you, but read below to understand why I care so much to compose and post such a big reply:

The whole reasoning behind the electric cars:

There is a larger issue at stake: if a false perception about the safety of electric cars is allowed to linger, it will delay the advent of sustainable transport and increase the risk of global climate change, with potentially disastrous consequences worldwide. That cannot be allowed to happen.

Tesla has already entered China, I am waiting for the day when Tesla starts operations in India and we have a Team-BHP style official review.
And hoping against hope that my next upgrade be a Tesla or Reva (with Tesla's level of commitment of course)

And there goes my half an hour of productivity at work!

[TNiranjanT]

Originally Posted by CARDEEP

Hi @Ritzvxi

Thank you for the link... however, what do you expect from him otherwise. He is bound to make such statements & commitments, lest the buyers will run away.

Moreover, his/ company's commitment is bound to be on resolving the issue, & come out of the mess, when there are fire at a pace more than the Supercars & Nanos; there is a probe on the 3 fire incidents in 5 weeks; & the investors & public confidence is waning.

IMO this is as bad as Nano fire incidents, if not worst, after all these cars are not made to certain cost.

Elon Musk does make some compelling arguments with plain statistics. It is plain clear that EV's are safer than ICE'd cars according to plain numbers. All this skewed media attention is only because it is an EV and a Tesla at that. Let us not forget, Tesla's rivals would be most pleased with the bad ratings Tesla is getting now. It is no secret in the automotive industry that even companies such as BMW are turning no stone unturned to beat Tesla at this game of innovation.

Elon Musk's vision is to improve the world, of course let us not be naive in believing Tesla is a charity, and I feel for a better tomorrow it is important that EV's are increasingly adopted by consumers.

For that I have full faith and hope in Tesla.

[CARDEEP]

Thank YOu @Ritzvxi & @TNiranjanT

I believe if I carry on the ranting it will create a lengthy post here, which cab be best avoided. However, what I am imploring are our views on a cheaper car (Nano) burning on its own because of improper packaging/ design of the car & a supercar (Tesla, numerous Lamborghinis) self destruction for reasons like debris on road, etc.

A mass production car will obviously have more cases, but the ratios are actually against these supercars, & that is what needs to be seen beyond regular statistics (my point). After all we haven't been too kind to mass product from India. If the same case has been with any Asian auto major, I am sure the pitch of hue & cry have been much-2 more louder .

FYIP, NHTSA has already started an investigation in Tesla's case & unlike our Government agencies, it will sure make the manufacturer make amends, if required.

[Ritzvxi]

Here is an update on the Tesla S safety review conducted by GERMAN FEDERAL MOTOR TRANSPORT AUTHORITY.

GERMAN FEDERAL MOTOR TRANSPORT AUTHORITY (KRAFTFAHRT-BUNDESAMT) CONCLUDES REVIEW OF MODEL S INCIDENTS

The highlight is:

- According to the documents, no manufacturer-related defects could be found.

- Therefore, no further measures under the German Product Safety Act are deemed necessary.

[Ritzvxi]

Originally Posted by Ritzvxi

Here is an update on the Tesla S safety review conducted by GERMAN FEDERAL MOTOR TRANSPORT AUTHORITY.

GERMAN FEDERAL MOTOR TRANSPORT AUTHORITY (KRAFTFAHRT-BUNDESAMT) CONCLUDES REVIEW OF MODEL S INCIDENTS

The highlight is:

- According to the documents, no manufacturer-related defects could be found.

- Therefore, no further measures under the German Product Safety Act are deemed necessary.

An update on the ongoing NHTSA review of Tesla S:

NHTSA REAFFIRMS MODEL S 5-STAR SAFETY RATING IN ALL CATEGORIES FOR MODEL YEAR 2014

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reaffirmed the 5-star safety rating of the Tesla Model S overall and in all subcategories for Model Year 2014, confirming the highest safety rating in America. Tesla is awaiting feedback from NHTSA regarding their investigation.

Also, It is worth noting that a Tesla vehicle is over five times less likely to experience a fire than the average gasoline car and that there have been zero serious injuries or deaths for any reason ever, fire or otherwise, in a Model S. Over the course of more than 100 million miles driven in almost every possible terrain, weather and crash conditions, the Tesla Model S has consistently protected its driver and passengers, achieving the best safety track record of any car on the road.

Elon Musk and his team at Tesla deserves a round of !

[volkman10]

General Motors could buy Tesla in 2014 says analyst.

but chances of seeing this happen are small taking into account the huge success Tesla is having right now with the Model S, managing to deliver 5,500 units in the third quarter.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/11312316...ing-to-analyst

[Ritzvxi]

Congratulations to Elon Musk and his team at Tesla for achieving another milestone.
Tesla has done what some believed to be impossible just a few years back.

Source: : Tesla Model S Sales Shoot Past 25,000 Worldwide

[drsingh]

Originally Posted by volkman10

General Motors could buy Tesla in 2014 says analyst.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/11312316...ing-to-analyst

I think Mercedes already owns a 10 percent stake. They wouldn't let that happen. They have first refusal rights.

[maddy42]

Originally Posted by volkman10

General Motors could buy Tesla in 2014 says analyst.




http://www.worldcarfans.com/11312316...ing-to-analyst

I dont think this would happen due to the price they are trading at. Also GM would be hit by the govt for going for the pricey purchase when they just started getting back.

Tesla is not making much money right now and may do a stake sale to someone to infuse capital which will take care of costs of getting the new prototype ready for 2015, launching the Model X and dealing with supplier issues for their battery.

Positive news is their crossing 25k sales, their entry into china, their supercharger stations in the US(They have rolled like 5 in the last one week and it can almost cover a trip from LA to NYC) and europe.

One reason i dont want the sale to happen is it may dilute the decision making and leadership of a Musk at the helm of the company which is what a new company would need till it has a extensive product line.

[volkman10]

Some great pics of the Tesla S and all you want to Know of the Masterpiece.





Keys to the Tesla - a masterpiece in itself








http://www.indiancarsbikes.in/auto-n...+Cars+Bikes%29

[volkman10]

Tesla fire continues, this time in Canada!

A Tesla Model S sitting in a Toronto garage ignited and caught on fire. The car was about four months old and was not plugged in to an electric socket

http://www.sfgate.com/technology/bus...-A-5233464.php

[maddy42]

Originally Posted by volkman10

Tesla fire continues, this time in Canada!




http://www.sfgate.com/technology/bus...-A-5233464.php

Going to be interesting how the market reacts. Earnings call is next week and the shares are trading at the all time high.

There was some issue with the home charge plugs which they were supposed to send a replacement and that didnt happen. The norway chargers had an issue too.

Just my thought, let me know if i am wrong. Majority of the buyers were early adopters with lots of patience and enthu with buying a tesla. They are willing to fiddle, try new stuff and willing to live with some of the quirks and fancies of being early adopters for electric.

It would be interesting to see when the fill it, shut it forget it kind of folks start buying this car.

In other news they are expecting half their sales to come from China.

Maddy

[amitoj]

Whoa. Wish my rear end was this solid!



Source:
What happens when Tesla gets rear ended

Thanks to all that battery mass, Tesla's rear looks totally unharmed.

[CARDEEP]

Tesla's woes aren't over, with 3rd US State - New Jersey, banning sale of its cars through company owned dealerships, after Texas & Arizona. This move is meant to preserve the well-entrenched dealer franchise system that has been around almost as long as the auto industry itself.

More details here:

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/new-j...-plug-on-tesla