Tesla goes public.

[shadroch]

Tesla Motors announced it plans to go public this week, the first Us Automaker since Ford in 1956 to do so.
The nay-sayers keep yapping, but "the little engine that could" has done it.

[johndoe]

Since when does having an IPO equal success?

You can claim "they did it" when they can turn a profit without a half-billion dollar "loan" (grant) from us generous taxpayers.

[aslan]

Originally Posted by johndoe

Since when does having an IPO equal success?

You can claim "they did it" when they can turn a profit without a half-billion dollar "loan" (grant) from us generous taxpayers.

Success is in the eye of the beholder. Tesla has come a long way on its own. Also, I think its win-win partnering with Toyota spells only good things for its future. My only misgiving is that the government's sudden distaste for oil-based fuels will be short-lived as prospects for new innovation/invention and existing alternative technology get a reality check.

[Jack_Black]

Originally Posted by aslan

and existing alternative technology get a reality check.

I highly doubt the government's, as well the US public's distaste for oil will be short lived. Here we are in June with an oil leak that started in april, and no definite date as to when it will stop. After BP destroys the US coastline, I'm sure the US will get a "reality check" in terms of the detriment that wanting more oil causes.

Also, demand of the original GM electric car, the EV, was high. The only reason why the program was killed was because of oil and auto lobbyists worrying about the future of their industries.

[Jack_Black]

Originally Posted by johndoe

You can claim "they did it" when they can turn a profit without a half-billion dollar "loan" (grant) from us generous taxpayers.

us generous taxpayers who want to kick the oil habit.

[aslan]

Originally Posted by Jack_Black

I highly doubt the government's, as well the US public's distaste for oil will be short lived. Here we are in June with an oil leak that started in april, and no definite date as to when it will stop. After BP destroys the US coastline, I'm sure the US will get a "reality check" in terms of the detriment that wanting more oil causes.

Also, demand of the original GM electric car, the EV, was high. The only reason why the program was killed was because of oil and auto lobbyists worrying about the future of their industries.

You can doubt it all you want, but the pendulum swings. A new government is forming in the wings. Like it or not, the dogs bark and the caravan moves on. The recent accident was as much the government's fault as BP's. We (the government) did not oversee the drilling effectively with our tons of regulations and oversight procedures. Also, we did not allow them to drill where it was safer closer to shore even though Louisiana had approved such drilling. Also, we have been spending billions for many years to 'discover" the new alternative fuel scheme that will save us from our dependence on oil, but to no avail. Making oil more expensive (cap and trade) is no guarantee of future innovation or invention, only of higher prices. In short, "short-lived" is a definite possibility.

[aslan]

Originally Posted by Jack_Black

us generous taxpayers who want to kick the oil habit.

I want to kick our habit of unfounded trust in "pie in the sky" solutions. When we discover a practicable solution to the oil habit, I will be the first to support it.

[Jack_Black]

Originally Posted by aslan

You can doubt it all you want, but the pendulum swings. A new government is forming in the wings. Like it or not, the dogs bark and the caravan moves on. The recent accident was as much the government's fault as BP's. We (the government) did not oversee the drilling effectively with our tons of regulations and oversight procedures. Also, we did not allow them to drill where it was safer closer to shore even though Louisiana had approved such drilling. Also, we have been spending billions for many years to 'discover" the new alternative fuel scheme that will save us from our dependence on oil, but to no avail. Making oil more expensive (cap and trade) is no guarantee of future innovation or invention, only of higher prices. In short, "short-lived" is a definite possibility.

I don't see how it's the government's fault if there were regulations set up and the companies did not follow those regulations. Unless you desire a totalitarian regime that has cameras and G-men assigned to each company to follow every procedure, each step of the way. Closer to shore is safer is a joke. There will always be accidents, no matter how "safe" it is. It's a question of what will be the effect of the accident WHEN it does happen.

Also, I will make a superficial comparison to finding the future’s energy source as simple as winning the VHS or Beta format. Consumers must decide which product they like best and go with it. Albeit picking an energy source is more complicated and has more implications than deciding if Blu ray or HD-DVD will be the next generation hi def format, but the idea is the same.

[Jack_Black]

Now onto my thoughts for stock potential. Tesla currently makes high end cars. The GM volt will be for the "small people." It doesn't sound like tesla wants to make a mass produced car and wants to stay niche market. If that changes, I will jump on board.

[daddybo]

Newsflash guys! It doesn't matter what you do, or how many regulations you impose, or how many alternatives and contigencies you have; things built by or controlled by or influenced by men will at some point fail in a spectacular way. Time is on Murphy's side.

Another thought.... How much energy is needed to manufacture electric cars, dispose of used batteries, recharge batteries? Where is this energy coming from? We can't produce enough wind and solar power to do this let alone all the other energy needs we have.

Think nuclear... Cleaner, cheaper and more reliable. It's all along way off.