Not Everyone Is Happy About Tesla’s Model X Launch

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Tesla Model X (Credit: Tesla Motors )

The Tesla Model X launch parade is getting rained on by a disgruntled customer. While it might be shocking to some that Stewart Alsop, a venture capitalist who plunked down a deposit on the all-electric crossover and attended the official launch, is ranting against Tesla and Elon Musk, it’s apparent the guy is officially a disgruntled customer. It might even be possible that he will become a disgruntled former customer of Tesla.

» Related: The Tesla Model X Gets its Big Reveal

Alsop published his grievances against Musk and Tesla Motors online, immediately picking up interest simply for the stark contrast versus all of the glowing media reports about the Model X’s launch. Instead of fawning over the bioweapon defense mode or the many hyperboles about the vehicle being thrown around, Alsop focused on what he describes as “insensitive” actions and “poor judgement” from Musk himself.

Elon Musk is notorious for being late, and for the Model X launch event he was almost two hours behind schedule. Some have compared him to an inconsiderate rock star, and Alsop took issue with his time being wasted as a guest of Tesla. He also pointed out that Musk being late made it all but impossible for many people to test the Model X at the event, which was one of the big draws.

The disgruntled Tesla customer also pointed out that no “real” food was served at the dinnertime event, and called the slideshow at the beginning of the presentation “amateur” and in general misguided.

These points might not seem like a big deal to many, but Alsop questions if the extreme tardiness of Musk, his lack of an apology to customers and the other issues doesn’t indicate a much bigger problem. He openly wonders if such behavior indicates that there’s trouble with managing Tesla Motors properly. Alsop also questioned if customers continue to be treated poorly after receiving their vehicle. Some Tesla drivers might agree, after recently receiving a curt email from the company about Supercharger use.

For now, Tesla Motors still enjoys a wildly loyal customer base, but that could always shift over time.

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Alan Dean Foster

What, was all the shrimp gone when Alsop got to the hors d’oeurves table?
Plus, this win’s today’s internet as the most turgid piece of click bait.
Eric Zucker

Tesla would do well to improve their communication skills and PR. At this moment they are obsessed with building the best car possible. I can live with that, the car is a perfect match to my needs.
Tesla has demonstrated exceptional after-sales service to Model S owners, even replacing rear seats with improved designs. I wish other manufacturers had half as much consideration.
As Tesla grows from startup into a credible car manufacturer poised to serve wider audiences they must consider Mr. Allsop’s remarks and avoid bruising potential customers on details.
dogphlap dogphlap

“for the Model X launch he was almost two hours behind schedule” I think that should read “almost two years behind schedule”. Still many of us forgive his problems with punctuality since Tesla Motors is almost alone dragging the auto industry kicking and screaming into the 21st century, with influence far in-excess of their size.