Are cars sold or purchased? Horace Dediu and Jim Zellmer discuss automotive “ecosystems” vis-à-vis Apple and Tesla’s direct sales model. We further dive into the rigidity and risk of such value chains and divert a bit into automakers’ attempts at aviation. Finally, we consider the potential monetization of automotive metadata and what that might mean for new, perhaps “over the top” style entrants. [31MB 63 minute mp3]
Also history lessons: Ford Trimotor, Ford production system, The Kaiser people’s car.
Show notes:
Ford to Buy Up Dealerships in Test Program (1997).
Why Texas Banned Tesla Motors.