Anton Wahlman joins us as we dive into numbers, production curves and the clash between reality, vision and hubris over autonomous carsTesla's "financial equation" merits much discussion interspersed with reflections on an EV landscape littered with government subsidies.We close with accounting, including a dissertation on variable costs and the burden of "dealerless" car sales.
We talk finance and other curiosities with Sviatoslav Rosov PhD, CFA, Analyst.
Beginning with Henry Ford's "Old Fashioned Layaway Plan" followed by the launch of General Motors Acceptance Corporation, the Certified Pre-Owned sleight of hand and today's auto sales finance and reporting controversies all shaped the industry. Finance is one of many vectors which tie the system together into what its is.
We once again explore the other vectors that might open disruptive opportunities for an entrant. Wide ranging discussion touching all the big points ultimately asking whether Big Bang change is coming. Or will it the big whimper?
Due to some research and related writing I’ve been working on which revolve around the potential for disruption in the auto industry, I have wanted the ability to quickly search the Asymcar and The Critical Path podcasts to locate material I remember hearing. Naturally, this is difficult at best with the material in audio format only. I know that an edited version of the first year of TCP was presented in a book format some time ago. But since Asymcar contains much of the content that I needed to referenc
Source: Impetus | Transcribing Asymcar
The incomparable Citroen DS (French homophone: déesse), 60 years old this year. Hydropneumatic, self-levelling suspension aerodynamic and interior design efficiency, swiveling headlights, novel construction methods. Ahead of its time even in 1985. Why did this iconic design not endure?
We use this parable to analyze Apple Car rumors.
Gartner asserts that “connected cars or smart cars are poised to play a pivotal role in the Internet of Things (IoT)”. We say “Hah!”
Also,
via Asymcar 21: Where we’re going, we don’t need roads | Asymcar.
What motivates a company to destroy its brand?
We start with Mini’s plans to sell 100,000 cars in the States by 2020, nearly double today’s pace and remember how Cadillac destroyed their brand and how Mercedes, Porsche, Ferrari et. al. can’t wait to do the same.
Also, might retail power in the form of strong dealer regulation limit brand’s ability to improve or address customer experiences? What motivated Warren Buffet to enter the American car dealer business? (With a long aside on what Buffett investment logic is all about and why it’s not contradictory to a growth investor).
Why did the Tata Nano fail? What is the future of low end disruption in the auto industry?
What does sharing mean for cars? What are the jobs that spaces in cars are hired for that their makers don’t understand?
Is Elon Musk an Industrialist?
Part I is a review of the “automotive stack” and note how there is no singular event that seems to affect disruptive change. From changing jobs to be done, modular design and manufacturing processes, powertrain evolution, urbanization, environmental interests, regulation and taxation.
Part II is a review of a framework of analysis based on sources and uses of energy. Inputs, efficiency/losses, network effects and inertia, what can change and what can’t change.
For a shot of theory, Horace reflects on the dichotomy of efficiency vs. efficacy when it comes to predicting change in the sector.
Matt Grantham joins us to discuss electric vehicles, renewable energy, smarter software, solar opportunities and economics. Matt introduces us to Solar X, the solar car challenge. He reflects on these emerging technologies in light of Australia’s nearly extinct auto manufacturing sector.
We explore the concept of a car as the home power source and consider possible EV disruption of traditional power generation and distribution concerns. The potential business models arising from these emerging technologies makes us pause in light of solar firm’s stock performance.
An interview with Ossi Oikarinen, Technical Director at Team Rosberg, a 30-year veteran of motorsport, Formula One TV presenter and deep insider.
We cover Grand Prix racing and DTM touring cars from the point of view of business models, jobs to be done and technical innovations. We touch on many other fine points.
This is a good one.
via Asymcar 14: Grand Prix. An interview with Ossi Oikarinen | Asymcar.
On continental trips, diesel engines and autobahn speeds, pilgrimages to Porsche and BMW’s brand meccas.
How to understand the world through toy cars, from Matchbox to Hot Wheels, Siku, Majorette to Tomica.
On the business of car distribution, “channel stuffing” and the origins of state franchise regulation.
Reflections on Apple’s routing around now-defunct computer retail channels via its highly successful stores.