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Tesla has a pretty good business plan. They are pushing the boundaries of technology and spending a lot of time patenting it. They are already selling IP to other companies. IP is basically 100% profit margin once R&D and patent prosecution and defense costs are amortized. Musk wants Tesla to be a legitimate automotive maker but if they end up as a for-profit research and design firm (like Porsche Design, Magneti Marelli, etc.) that's not bad either.
The Tesla S is a wonderful commuter and weekend family car. It is not meant for people that can only afford one car and need an all-in-one. It's as good as the battery technology allows for now but it will get better. One of the reasons is because Tesla is pushing battery tech forward.
In three years since new I've not driven my BMW 335i coupe more than maybe 200 miles in one day. We have different cars for road trips. I can see owning one although I'll probably end up with the new Audi A7 just because I really like that car.
I wish there was no government bailouts or loan guarantees for any of these guys, but as others have pointed out they ALL take them. Even more I wish that there was no "tax credit". But I blame the gov. for this, not Tesla. What are they supposed to do, turn it down? In any case I'm going to support an American company that does R&D and manufacturing in the USA.
Disclaimer, I have a financial interest in Tesla.
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