Randall Stross's article in the New York Times, “Only the Rich Can Afford It”, regarding Tesla Motors seems to miss the bigger point.
In it he criticizes, Tesla, an automotive manufacturer, that has not only designed one of the few electric cars made today, but is actually manufacturing and currently selling these vehicles.
He attempts to make the argument that only the very rich, i.e., billionaires can afford this car and rails on about the unfairness in helping Tesla Motors to get to the next stage.
Just to give some background on Tesla, they have designed not just a beautiful automobile but one that is functional as well. It is interesting that they have taken a “concept car" design, something in the past we have seen presented in Detroit, but by the time it hits the production line, the only thing representing its original concept is perhaps the headlights. Even GM's much vaunted Volt does not look like its original, on the contrary, it is bland, to say the least.
What Stross does not understand is that here is an opportunity to demonstrate to everyone what can be accomplished. When the Tesla begins coming off the production line and hits the streets, I sense the general public will collectively look to the automotive industry and ask, “Why can't you do this?”
Why not reward success? Tesla is not asking for a bailout. Not only have they proven that the technology works, they already have a product that people are buying. What they are requesting, is the funding to take the technology to the next level, thus making it possible to make cars that would be affordable to the general public. And since we are talking about affordability, please keep in mind the gap between acquiring a gas guzzling SUV and the Tesla today is about 50 -60 thousand, while not an insignificant amount certainly not a pre-requisite only for billionaires and the like.
This is a great product. It works. It's selling. We should reward the company that has been successful and not the ones who only deliver empty promises.
