Panasonic sells its $3.6B Tesla stake • Hacker News Board

Re: Panasonic sells its $3.6B Tesla stake

#181

Post by xkjkls » Mon, Jun 28, 2021, 10:23 PM UTC

paulpauper wrote: post #6

FartyMcFarter wrote: post #3

It seems like a smart decision once you look at car companies' market caps: Tesla: $651 B Toyota: $288 B Volkswagen: $152 B Daimler / Mercedes: $99 B Ford: $60 B

People said this 3 years ago too, arguing Tesla was too big. guess what: it got way bigger. Tesla is forcing other brands to have to adapt or die. They are way behind Tesla in technology, infrastructure, and marketshare for electric vehicle and battery tech.

This market cap is assuming that Tesla captures the entire auto market at higher margins than any car company to exist ever. To which, I ask, have you seen the auto market? Do you think the Germans are just going to let BMW and Volkswagen die? These companies used to make tanks, and still could if you pressure them enough. Hyundai is 6% of the entire South Korean economy; do you think they are just going to let another company consume that? And as for China, the world's largest auto market, you are at the entire whims of the CCP, which could decide to kick you out in favor of their favorite local competitor at any time.

Re: Panasonic sells its $3.6B Tesla stake

#182

Post by xkjkls » Mon, Jun 28, 2021, 10:24 PM UTC

toomuchtodo wrote: post #113

elliekelly wrote: post #102

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think you have to ask whether Tesla would have the same or similar valuation in any of the following circumstances: - If literally anyone else were CEO. - If Musk hadn’t used twitter to gather a cult-like following of people who idolize him, think the tech is cool, and can’t afford a Tesla but can afford a few shares of the stock. - If Musk hadn’t repeatedly inserted himself into the WSB “meme stock” & crypto count…

You’re not entirely wrong, but Tesla (and a small SpaceX investment via funds) is the closest most people can come to investing in Musk personally. Wouldn’t you invest in someone who is obsessed and will strive at all costs to succeed? And how is this any different than accelerators like YC investing in founders vs business ideas? The “eccentricity” for lack of a better word is the symptom of his underlying drive, so…

This obsession hasn't always been good, and often caused Elon Musk to make dishonest statements about the overall state of the business and its future. This should scare anyone who is attempting to value Elon Musk at a realistic level.

Re: Panasonic sells its $3.6B Tesla stake

#183

Post by xkjkls » Mon, Jun 28, 2021, 10:30 PM UTC

nunez wrote: post #168

JPKab wrote: post #39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

As a recent owner of a model 3, I've been blown away by the charging infrastructure advantage. The non-Tesla chargers near me in Colorado are just plain garbage. Sometimes, they work great, but other days I go back and the terminal won't function. And currently, these chargers are all the owners of non-Tesla EVs have. I'm actually surprised there isn't a legal push by Congress to force Tesla to open up their charging…

> I'm actually surprised there isn't a legal push by Congress to force Tesla to open up their charging infrastructure to others. I honestly don't understand this sentiment. Tesla invested many many years creating a charging network in a competitive environment that actively resisted it. So now that Tesla is super successful in part because of this long-term investment, how is it fair that Tesla _must_ open it up to t…

Why would a government not consider it monopolistic to own both the charging infrastructure and the vehicles themselves?

Re: Panasonic sells its $3.6B Tesla stake

#184

Post by rcMgD2BwE72F » Wed, Jun 30, 2021, 3:34 PM UTC

hef19898 wrote: post #154

njharman wrote: post #60

Earlier quoted context omitted.

TSLA is a battery company. Autos are just the means to and end. Their market cap represents how well they are positioned to capitalize on the end of Fossil Fuel Age.

Isn't Panasonic the battery company?

As much as CATL. Or Tesla, soon.

Re: Panasonic sells its $3.6B Tesla stake

#185

Post by api » Wed, Jun 30, 2021, 3:36 PM UTC

paulpauper wrote: post #6

FartyMcFarter wrote: post #3

It seems like a smart decision once you look at car companies' market caps: Tesla: $651 B Toyota: $288 B Volkswagen: $152 B Daimler / Mercedes: $99 B Ford: $60 B

People said this 3 years ago too, arguing Tesla was too big. guess what: it got way bigger. Tesla is forcing other brands to have to adapt or die. They are way behind Tesla in technology, infrastructure, and marketshare for electric vehicle and battery tech.

Can Tesla align body panels yet?

I want Tesla to succeed but I know of several horror stories with quality and getting any kind of support or repairs post-purchase. They have some work to do.