How would you characterize competition in the auto industry? What do you think are Tesla’s core competencies? Does it have any sources of sustainable competitive advantage?

Discussion Questions

What were Musk’s and Eberhard’s goals in founding Tesla?
How would you characterize competition in the auto industry?
What do you think are Tesla’s core competencies? Does it have any sources of sustainable competitive advantage?
What is your assessment of Tesla’s moves into (a) mass-market cars, (b) batteries (car batteries and Powerwall), (c) solar panels? Please consider both the motivation for the moves, and the opportunities and challenges for Tesla to compete in these businesses.
Do you think Tesla will be profitable in all of these businesses? Why or why not?
What do you think Tesla’s (or Elon Musk’s) strategic intent is?