Ludicrous

The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors

De: Edward Niedermeyer

Narrado por: Roger Wayne

Tesla Motors and CEO Elon Musk have become household names, shaking up the staid auto industry by creating a set of innovative electric vehicles that have wowed the marketplace and defied conventional wisdom. The company's market valuation now rivals that of long-established automakers, and, to many industry observers, Tesla is defining the future of the industry. But behind the hype, Tesla has some serious deficiencies that raise questions about its sky-high valuation, and even its ultimate survival.

Tesla's commitment to innovation has led it to reject the careful, zero-defects approach of other car manufacturers, even as it struggles to mass-produce cars reliably, and with minimal defects. While most car manufacturers struggle with the razor-thin margins of mid-priced sedans, Tesla's strategy requires that the Model 3 finally bring it to profitability, even as the high-priced Roadster and Model S both lost money. And Tesla's approach of continually focusing on the future, even as commitments and deadlines are repeatedly missed, may ultimately test the patience of all but its most devoted fans.

In Ludicrous, journalist and auto industry analyst Edward Niedermeyer lays bare the disconnect between the popular perception of Tesla and the day-to-day realities of the company - and the cars it produces.

©2019 Edward Niedermeyer (P)2019 Gildan Media

Lots of compelling information

Overall an interesting book especially for people with automotive background that can set aside the hype and want an honest look at the company. The only reason I gave 4 instead of 5 is that at times it can feel more negative than is needed especially given that the facts support the issues pointed out.

Interesting read

Extensively researched and engaging. A unique portrayal of modern automotive business in America. This book will change your opinions about the company of Tesla Motors for better and for worse.

Great perspective on Tesla as a Manufacturer

Well researched and detailed. Gives astounding insight on Tesla by comparing to established car industry. The author has incredible insight on profitability and manufacturing in the car industry.

Unfortunately just already out of date. Would love more input as the years have gone on.

Luxury bait and switch

This book tells you about how luxury things don't have to work very well, they just need to look good and be very expensive. Safety and functionality are planned for in the shortest of terms. Buyers are baited and switched over and over. The government funded both tesla and space x with low interest loans (grants too?) so much for libertarian values (not that I agree with libertarianism but supposedly these people do). Also elon musk sounds hard to work for. Lots of immature lack of planning causing mistakes in production (the paint room description is amazing) and huge losses of money. Hobbyist is a word that came up in the text. And if people don't like your hobby project then, well you know. Except to help pay for it with their taxes. Oh and tesla is a cult.
The reader does need to learn to pronounce "hyperbole" but otherwise a terrific performance!

Explains the Fraud that Is

Awesome book that is well paced at explaining what I’ve always considered “The Theranos that hasn’t failed yet”.

Also explains why you never want to put your safety in the hands of a narcissist. Very well done and sticks to the facts.

Objective and to the point

Blunt objective assessment of Elon Musk, the center of Tesla & all his other endeavors. This was published in 2019, and so relevant & prescient almost 5 years later. Musk has gone to own Twitter, rebranded his favorite letter, & reckless experiments like Hyperloop has finally gone under. The downfall of all brilliant captains of industry is and always has been hubris.

Like Tesla, the book has flaws, but is still xlnt.

I liked the book, and thought it covered a lot of ground. But it seemed that at times the book was trying to draw a conclusion that Tesla was somehow not a long term player, surviving(temporarily) on Elon's charm and bs alone. The book fails to conclude that if Elon accomplishes half of what he says, the end accomplishment is game changing. I am not a Tesla fan or an Elon fan, per se, and think that Tesla stock is ridiculously overvalued. But the story, and the accomplishments of Tesla must be acknowledged as spectacular. The pace of innovation is spectacular, and the potential for commercial vans and trucks is almost without limit. Tesla is not smoke and mirrors, and is not going away anytime soon. I wish the book was just a little less skeptical.

Great Audiobook that tells the truth about Tesla!

Right now, with Tesla’s stock price at an all-time high, it might be hard to agree with the message delivered in this book. However, being a former Tesla fan and unfortunately, an owner, this book reminds you that Tesla is nothing more than a house of cards that will collapse someday.

what a crazy history

It seems like the line between a visionary and a con man is whether you're scheme is successful or not. in Tesla's case it they might pull it off. the book stepped through the history of the company and its promises and accomplishments, probably some would consider with a negative tone, but I don't know, it reads like an honest assessment to me. What is a bit depressing is that it seems like truth doesn't really matter in Tesla'scase, that promise and exaggeration are building a reality for the company that can ignore it's failures. I'll tell you one thing though, after reading this book my next car, which will be an EV, sure won't be a Tesla.

More Of An Opinion Piece

Lots of the ugly side of the Tesla story but author clearly not very objective.