Despite its years in the market, Tesla has had trouble mass marketing its electric, self-driving vehicles. Which is why when Elon Musk introduced the Model 3 almost a year ago, its biggest selling point was that it was more affordable that the company's current roster. The unit, with its US$30,000 retail price, was enough to increase demand by hundreds of thousands.
In addition to its price, Hybrid Cars notes that Tesla's referral programs have only helped people sought out the Model 3. With the referral program, individuals are provided a US$1,000 discount, but new features make it even more enticing.
The publication continues to say that the new referral program provides new owners with the chance to win the Model S or the Model X, although it depends specifically on the region. This new feature replaces the drawing of lots that was previously practiced. Furthermore, qualifying participants will get the opportunity to win tickets to the Model 3 delivery event, which is scheduled for later this year.
The Model 3 is expected to start rolling out of Tesla's factories later this year, but there has been a lot of doubt surrounding this target. There are over 400,000 reservations for the electric vehicle and the public is starting to question whether or not this number will be reached. On an annual basis, the company has not been able to deliver 100,000 units.
Moreover, Tesla has a history of pushing back deadlines and not meeting targets. There is the definite logic behind the thinking that the company will not meet deliveries this year. And as BGR notes, the company is aiming to deliver 100,000 units of the Model 3 alone for 2017 - more than has been delivered in the years the company has been up. But as the publication notes, there is still a stream of hope despite all the doubt.
The Model 3 is priced lower than the Model S and the Model X for a reason. As Musk himself has stated, the upcoming sedan is less complex to manufacture. In addition, Tesla's current place in the market has allowed the company to secure necessary supply chains. The company's former Supply Chain chief, Peter Carlsson, discussed this previously.
Carlsson confirmed that the supply chain of Tesla has drastically improved over the years - and rightfully so. This time around, Carlsson stated that it will be easier for the company moving forward. "Tesla has resolved some issues through vertical integration - doing things internally," he said. "And with the launch of the Model 3, the volumes of the business will be more attractive and I think we will see more suppliers relocate."
To add to this point, Musk discussed the current thinking of partners in their supply chain. According to the CEO, some companies have begun to angle for Tesla's business directly, as opposed to rebuffing from the company. Furthermore, the company has begun production through its Gigafactory in Texas, which will churn out the batteries that will be installed to all the electric vehicles - including the much-awaited Model 3.
