Tesla makes Model 3's interiors 100% leather-free

Tesla just announced that the Model 3's interiors are now entirely leather-free. The automaker has been pressured by entities like PETA to make its cars vegan. The company has already shifted all its seat options to the "Tesla Synthetic Material," which isn't animal-sourced. But the Model 3 wasn't completely vegan because its steering wheel was still made with leather. Now, the company upgraded the steering wheel cover to the same synthetic leather option, which makes its interior "100% leather-free."

The Tesla Synthetic Material used for the steering wheel cover was available as options for the Model S and Model X. But this wasn't the case for the Model 3. Tesla introduced this synthetic material back in 2016 as the "ultra white" option. And it was proven to be popular with Tesla owners. Now, with the upcoming Model Y compact SUV, Elon Musk said at a shareholder meeting that the said vehicle would be vegan from the start.

Source: Electrek

Tesla Model 3 makes it from LA to New York in 50 hours

Alex Roy, editor-at-large for The Drive, has broken records and completed the quickest trip across the US. Making it from LA to New York City in 50 hours, 16, minutes and 32 seconds. The run was made on a Tesla Model 3 using the Tesla Supercharger network across the US. Roy spent roughly $100 charging the car tyhrough the trip. The Model 3 acquitted itself well in freezing conditions along the way. The Tesla Model 3 is starting to ship to buyers despite some delays and production issues.

Source: The Verge

Tesla fires hundreds of employees while Model 3 production experiences delays

Photo: Tesla Motors via european pressphoto agency

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been quoted before saying the company plans to make 5,000 units of its mass-market Model 3. But early stumbles and issues seem to be bogging the company down, putting into question whether this goal is feasible. On top of this, the automaker also seems to be cleaning its ranks as part of its annual performance review. Tesla dismissed several hundred of employees, including everyone from engineers, salespeople, managers, and down to factory employees. The company won’t give specifics about these dismissals beyond that. According to a statement from the company, “Like all companies, Tesla conducts an annual performance review during which a manager and employee discuss the results that were achieved, as well as how those results were achieved, during the performance period," explained a brand spokesperson. "This includes both constructive feedback and recognition of top performers with additional compensation and equity awards, as well as promotions in many cases. As with any company, especially one of over 33,000 employees, performance reviews also occasionally result in employee departures. Tesla is continuing to grow and hire new employees around the world.”

How this’ll affect production of its new vehicle remains to be seen. Tesla began production of the Model 3 in July and was able to build 260 of them in the third quarter. However, this is only 17 percent of the projected 1,500 units produced in the same time period. The company might be reevaluating its processes to see that they can meet the goal it set for itself.

Source: The Drive + USA Today

The first full-production version of the Tesla Model 3 goes to Elon Musk

Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced last week that the company’s Model 3 was entering into full production then. Now, the first car rolls off the assembly line and heads to the CEO himself. Tesla investor and board member Ira Ehrenpreis was the first on to place a deposit on the car but he gave it to Musk as a gift for the CEO’s 46^th birthday. Ehrenpreis will then get the number two car off the production line. Musk, of course, teased an image of the car, which is the first mass-produced car and most affordable vehicle from the company.

Tesla has a goal of producing 500,000 units in 2018, which is definitely a big bump from the 85,000 units the cars sold back in 2016. What’s driving the demand for the Tesla Model 3 is that it costs around US$35,000. It does, however, feature a simpler design that the Model S and Model X and the first available version of the car has fewer options to choose from, such as exterior color, wheels, interior, and the ability to enable Tesla’s Autopilot functionality. All-wheel drive and bigger battery packs seen in the Model S and X, will come at a later date once production of the cars are fully operational.

Source: CNET