$Tesla(TSLA.US) ‘s plans to stake its future on a two-seat Cybercab is wholly inconsistent with how consumers buy cars. While 90% of miles traveled are for 1-2 passengers, only 1% of actual global consumer automotive purchases are for vehicles configured for just 2 passengers. When buying a car, consumers build in extra seating capacity for kids, extra passengers, or baggage. Think about eating at home: While 90% of dinners consumed at home might be for 1-2 persons, furniture manufacturers sell very few dining tables designed for just 1-2 people. Even if TSLA took 50% share of the 2-seat auto segment - a segment now dominated by sports cars like Corvette and Ferrari - actual sales might only total 80K in the U.S. and 400K globally - a far cry from the 2M/year Cybercab production runs being contemplated.
Adding to this, many consumers would prefer autonomy as an option rather than either/or. Elon said on the call that Cybercab would not come with a steering wheel or pedals, and reiterated that either Cybercab drives itself or it doesn’t drive at all. IMHO, ignoring consumer preferences in favor of engineering efficiency will prove to be a major strategic mistake by $Tesla(TSLA.US).The copyright of this article belongs to the original author/organization.
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