Tesla¡¯s new vehicle-assembly system, which created instant buzz when it was unveiled in March, ignited a debate among auto manufacturing experts on whether CEO Elon Musk¡¯s so-called unboxed process is radical, revisionist or derivative ¡ª or all of the above.
Musk believes the company needs to radically rethink conventional manufacturing methods in order to build more affordable ¡ª and profitable ¡ª electric vehicles in higher volumes.
Investors have been waiting for Tesla, the world¡¯s most valuable automaker, to announce what is perceived as the company¡¯s holy grail: An electric vehicle priced under $30,000. Right now, the least expensive Tesla starts at more than $40,000.
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