So, the dealer franchise laws do protect their business from existing manufacturers going DTC. However, unless that changes, and unless manufacturers can build a network for distribution, sales, and service, this is the norm. I agree that a salesman has zero value add, but the dealership experience doesn’t have to…

Very good points. Tesla raises their prices, and has done so many times while other manufacturers stuck to their MSRPs. Sometimes things cost more. Sometimes things cost less. As Buffett (Warren, not Jimmy) said, buy when times are bad, sell when times are good. 

Low miles? Fully documented? I think that’s probably not necessarily a bad deal, even if it isn’t my taste. 

I’m not big 0n the ‘75, but 1st year, I’ll take one.

As a recent new car buyer, it is a weird market. But we all know that.

Every dealer is maximizing revenue on a lower than normal volume of new inventory. Some are worse offenders than others.

The market isn’t as dicey for those of us who can take advantage of inflated used car values. To have seen my used car truly…

Maybe, maybe not. Villains get more more airtime than the heroes. The narrative of the evil empire attracts more eyeballs and ad dollars.

I don’t have a particular business in mind, but the generalities do correlate to many businesses and brands that you know. I’m not here to shill for any corporation, but I’m also not of the belief that every single publicly traded corporation is evil.

There are and have been businesses that are abject failures when it…

I have zero interest in engaging in a debate with you, but I respect that your perspective differs from my own. To each their own.

Sure, and many people would do that. Many won’t bother. 

Yes. I’m saying that this could also swing in the other direction. Possibly speed limits could be variable. Open highway on a Sunday morning. Abnormally low traffic density, roads are in good nick, excellent weather? Why not raise the limit by 30 MPH? Instead of a 65mph, you get 95. 

I’m saying there shouldn’t be speeding at all on surface roads or neighborhoods. No exceptions.

Highway speed could be variable, where the speeds are changed dynamically due to conditions, providing a nice upside when roads are clear and uncongested. 

I wouldn’t be a surprised if you get a phone call from Porsche on this topic.

Yes, that’s what I meant. 

Even the best of experts hadn’t built a global pandemic, and its ripple effects into corporate planning. It is impossible to factor every variable into a risk mitigation plan.

This is not a false narrative, but not the only one. There are many companies who are publicly traded, who operate with a solid margin, and make the world a better place through their people, products and practices. These companies aren’t the ones who make sensational headlines. They’re not the companies where the CEO…

In situations like that, long-term investors have mostly favored well. However, have there been other costs because of those practices and principles?

Tangentially related question. For all of the cars that sit in holding lots, unfinished, waiting for components or chips, how long are they sitting and how does this impact a few things?

They say speed kills, but really its the sudden stop that’s the real issue.

I really prefer the idea of PHEVs if they can evolve from being an ICE first, and then converted to a PHEV. BMW i3, Fisker or the Volt (and some I’m sure I don’t know) kinda sorta got there in that they were designed with EV use, with some type of a petrol backup. 

I’m game for any configuration if the resulting car has character and soul. I think the Mustang brand will need to adapt its identity if it is to survive.