Tesla Australia sales slump for seventh consecutive month
Since the start of 2024, the US car giant is down 19.4 per cent to 32,214 deliveries (from 39,985), and over the past seven months – all down on the periods in 2023 – it is down 34.3 per cent.
Why have 1 motor which you need to service, maintain and lug around when you can have 2!
Pay more to get more …
Waiting for a Hybrid Dual Motor … 3 (three) motors can be wrong …
:-|
Just market it like computing. I want my car to be Octa-drive with an MMX chip and solid state battery.
Add a hydrogen system too. Four motors are better than three.
Toyota has proven this isn't really an issue if they're done well.. I agree more tech = more to go wrong, but Hybrids can help meet specific emissions requirements but also eliminate range anxiety for those who may not yet feel comfortable jumping to full EV, or renters where it may not yet make sense (not always being near/having available power).
The same argument could be made for cars with turbos no? There's extra items to go wrong when a turbo is chucked on an engine right? Some hybrids like the Honda series also don't even use a gearbox so that's actually 1 component less, a clutch pack is used instead to connect the engine direct to wheels, otherwise most of the time it's driven electric.
Everyone knows Toyota cars last longer but you also pay twice the price and get half the features.
There is still a ton of maintenance required for Toyota Hybrids.
Hybrids don't really help with emissions, its mostly a lie unless you get a plug in hybrid which Toyota doesn't "really" do.
Only enthusiasts are buying turbo cars on purpose.
@samfisher5986: Only enthusiasts are buying turbo cars on purpose? I don't think that's necessarily true though. Turbos are found in some more modest cars, there's CX-5s with turbos, a kia cerato GT has a turbo, etc. The latter for example maybe they just want the sunroof with their kia cerato, happens to change the engine/turbo.
I agree Toyotas for a long while were behind the curve on everything outside their reliability, they're mostly caught up recently I'd say, newest Camry looks like it's not 15 years old finally at least…
To be clear, I may be biased as I have a civic hybrid (am an aforementioned renter, presented with the exact argument of full EV or not), but I do run in EV mode quite a lot, I get 700+ per tank, but tank is only 40L and each fill-up I usually only use 25-30l typically, so to me less fuel, less fuel burnt yada yada. Makes sense in my head at least…
I guess I'll find out after 5+ years of use how the cost of maintenance affects longevity, as first 5 years at least capped price (well, 50k worth), and +3 years if I keep servicing at Honda for warranty.
Hence, "on purpose". Its simply not normal for your regular person to be specifically seeking turbo cars.
Toyota cars are still behind on tech, they always will be as they would prefer to focus on ice engines.
Whats your range for EV Mode and can you plug it in? If you can't drive 60 minutes without an ice motor then its unlikely to be doing much for emissions.
It depends how long you keep it, you don't start to see the real cost of various maintenance required until 100,000km or 10 years.
Toyota is one of the worst hybrid systems.
Even Toyota has come out and said they ditching it for the BYD platform in the future.
Toyota batteries get cycled too many times as they are undersized, don’t have active heating cooling so not run at ideal temperatures.
They were good about 25 years ago when the Prius came out but now they are ancient compared to modern hybrids.
Toyota spent too long trying to get hydrogen to work there EVs and Hybrids trade purely on brand name and reputation.
They are still better than plug in hybrid which are the worse of both worlds. When running on electric you are lugging the dead weight called an engine and a gearbox and when running on combustion engine, lugging the dead weight of battery and motors.
People keep saying it is because of Elon. I am surprised no one is talking about the fact that it could be because they have removed the stalks and the ultra sonic sensors. I am in the market to replace our second car. Already have a model 3 but wont buy another one because the new ones have no stalks. Probably will get a Polestar.
it could be because they have removed the stalks and the ultra sonic sensors.
What are these things you speak of? Tried googling to educate myself but to no avail
Indicator stalks - they are now buttons on the steering wheel
PRND stalk - They are on now on the screen!
Ultrasonic sensors aka parking sensor - Removed. They are using the camera to judge distance now which is unreliable.
Dafuq!
Ultrasonic sensors aka parking sensor - Removed. They are using the camera to judge distance now which is unreliable.
Aren't they prone to have phantom braking too?
Aren't they prone to have phantom braking too?
All cars with radar cruise has 'phantom' braking issues. Our other ICE car does it far more :/
Teslas don't use radar for cruise control. They are fully camera based now
I'm aware, just stating radar cruise control has the same issue as the vision system.
@JimmyF: I drove my Jeep around Australia on a big lap and did 250k km on it prior to selling it and used adaptive cruise control for probably 90% of those kms and not once did it phantom brake. My Tesla on the other hand phantom brakes multiple times per trip. Tesla have monumentally stuffed up by removing tried and tested sensors (lidar, rain, parking etc.) which 'just work' in lieu of unreliable and useless cameras.
@gyrex: I've got a normal Hyundai Ioniq Electric and it only brakes unintentionally when it's following a car that goes into a turning lane.
It's a bit rich for Tesla to even sell the self driving package that's in development for several years.
My Tesla on the other hand phantom brakes multiple times per trip
Tesla doesn't like cars cutting across in front of it when on AP and yes used to be frighten by shadows. But the shadow issue hasn't been an issue for a while now.
The Tesla braking points are pretty well known for me now, unlike our work Ford Ranger that phantom brakes on the freeway far more than the Tesla has even done for no reason at all.
I drove my Jeep around Australia on a big lap and did 250k km on it prior to selling it and used adaptive cruise control for probably 90% of those kms
LOL Are you sure now?
So a 250k km trip around Australia that was on cruise 90% of the time aka 225k km of it?. You might want to rethink those numbers next time you tell the story considering it is only about 15k for a round Australia trip.
@JimmyF: He said he drove the Jeep around Australi.
And did 250k km before selling it.
Not that he drove 250k km around Australia
And the 90% sounds about right. We've bought a Ranger this year to tow, and cruise control goes on as part of the startup checks (together with start/stop off). Lane centering goes off when towing, but cruise control stays on. It's a no-brainer
I go from the border to the sunshine coast a lot and often don't touch the accelerator all the way.
I've yet to have a phantom braking incident at all. Sometimes a wrong speed is picked up (like an exit speed) which causes braking, but I can always see a reason for it
Tesla doesn't like cars cutting across in front of it when on AP and yes used to be frighten*ed by shadows
Teslas phantom brake anywhere, anytime, any situation. I get phantom braking events on open roads with zero cars in sight. I get them in banked up traffic almost causing massive pile-ups from cars following behind. I get them at night. If you've owned a Tesla for a while and spoken to other non-Tesla-fanbois, you'll be aware that it's a pervasive issue that affects everyone who doesn't operate under some biased illusion.
So a 250k km trip around Australia that was on cruise 90% of the time aka 225k km of it?. You might want to rethink those numbers next time you tell the story considering it is only about 15k for a round Australia trip.
See @jebdra 's response regarding your comprehension issue in relation to my statement. FYI, for our lap around Australia, I probably used adaptive cruise control for more like 95% of the trip. I live in a regional area and thus travel a lot of highways and motorways on my trips and use adaptive cruise control/(not so)auto pilot 90% of my driving here.
@JimmyF: Disagree. Radar cruise phantom brakes if it detects physical objects in front of it, which can happen if you are approaching a corner fast with a car parked on the side and you haven't started to turn the wheel. The physical objects have to be there.
Camera based system misreads what's in front and thinks some shadows are objects and phantom brakes when there is nothing there!!!
I drive a 2023 TM3. Hate the lack of radar cruise (vision based system sucks) but the TM 3 still trumped the Seal, and Ioniq 6 with its interior space and boot space. The seal was just hopeless to carry my gear in the boot.
@JimmyF: Not just radar cruise control, for example Subaru's Eyesight is prone to routine 'phantom braking' and that's based on it's multi-camera array.
AFAIK other camera-based systems fare no better. Radar can differentiate between solid objects and rain/fog better than a camera or even a 20:20 vision human eye in low light. The reason for ditching radar in favour of cameras is just cost.
@Caped Baldy: 99% of the time no issues but you do still get the occasional phantom breaking in some spots.
Muuuuch better than before. It’s not unique to Tesla, other brands have similar when they see something that triggers it.
Difference is Tesla keep improving theirs and push out updates over the air frequently
They were optional extras on BMW's too
Indicator stalks - they are now buttons on the steering wheel
Wow…that's a big change.
the PRND on screen is absolutely taking the piss lol anyone that says they love the new design are crackheads
Disclaimer: MY owner here. Loving my car and paid like $80 to charge since July 23
Indicator stalks - they are now buttons on the steering wheel
That sounds dystopian af! I hope this isn't an Apple removing the headphone jack moment — every other car company me-too'ing it.
@idonotknowwhy: I haven't seen it, but it sounds more intuitive than the stalk. No more turning on the wipers when driving wife's car.
I can imagine a day when the stalk will be a primitive distant memory.
The gear stick is also superfluous and I'd have no issues with gear selection being from the screen.
But if I understand correctly that there is no driver's dash, but instead everything is on a centre console, that would be a show-stopper for me.
@SlickMick: Yeah nah, that's not for me.
I have have "muscle memory" for all sorts of things like this. I don't even have to think about indicating, same as opening doors first go with the key while other people fumble. Basically, I like my tactile feedback.
that would be a show-stopper for me
Same. And anything which takes even a fraction of my attention off the road.
@idonotknowwhy: As long as they aren't ditching physical buttons, it's pretty safe. Sometimes, however the arrangement of the buttons is illogical, or the choice of function which is often for things that drivers rarely/never use. The other issue is the tactile quality of the buttons, which you need to be able to locate and differentiate purely by feel, without taking your eyes off the road.
Wait? So tesla doesn't have the "gear stick" thing for park reverse etc? They are now touch screen activated??? Or are we just talking about the light indicator?
@skidexa: Yes, on the touch screen and controls located where the ceiling light controls usually are.
I test drove a new model 3 and didn't like the gear selector and a few other things. I've driven the new EV9 and Ioniq 5 and didn't mind the gear selector stalk they have.
removed just to save costs.
What about a 3 point turn? Or reversing into a parking spot? Or fixing your parking?
| Being forced to put it in drive before heading off was super annoying!
Surely this is an exaggeration. This is how all vehicles work.
Also, isnt auto shift from park a beta feature? I really dont want the vehicle deciding whether I am going forward or back.
Okay my bad, I started writing a reply and only partway realised you were talking about the gear stalk and not the indicator stalk. The lack of gear stalk actually hasn't bothered me at all, I really quite like the screen swiping - it's as quick and responsive as changing gears with a gear stalk. I honestly wouldn't go back if given the choice.
However, as for the lack of indicator stalk (and this is where my initial reply kicks off):
As a recently new Model 3 owner, I'll admit that if I had the option, I'd probably go back to indicator stalks. I reckon I was most conscious about it in the first month, where I didn't like the fact that I'd have to routinely look down at the wheel to find the buttons, whereas I never had to look away from the road when using an indicator stalk - I could locate it naturally. However, 2-3 months in, I've found that I can use the wheel buttons without taking my eyes off the road - so I'm acclimatising. In any case though, the rest of the car has been brilliant so it's not any kind of deal breaker - it's a beautiful drive.
Clearly not all vehicles, my Highland doesn't work like that? Put the seatbelt on and off we go. Going back to putting the vehicle in gear feels like stepping back in time.
I very rarely need to 3 point turn, and never need to fix my parking. Welcome to the future lol
@norrisrules: Highlands must have great bumpers if fastening the seatbelt automatically puts the vehicle in gear.
@SlickMick: Wow this is like hearing people complain about the move to central locking, or to keyless entry. Technology moves on, the car is smart enough to not need you to do an extra redundant action in order to drive. You've gotten in, fastened your seat belt, pressed the brake and then off you go. It's not rocket science people.
Once you've had it, you realise that the step to go find an extra lever/button/stalk is as annoying as having to fish your keys out of your pocket to unlock the car.
@norrisrules: Your reply relates to everything else here: i.e. stalks are just what we're used to…. future generations would think it was poor design in hindsight.
I'll have to have a drive and see why you think pressing the brake to go is intuitive, it seems the opposite of that to me. Is it using a camera to determine whether you want to reverse? I can see garages being smashed up. "Why did you hit the brake. Don't you know that puts car in drive?"
It certainly isn't rocket science.
@SlickMick: While there might be better future design for indicator, having it as buttons on the steering wheel is definitely not it. Fundamentally when one finds it tricky to figure out which button to press when trying to indicate left halfway through a roundabout, this drawback is far beyond “getting used to”.
@changyang1230: I haven't experienced it, but it sounds like a poor implementation. (Are both buttons together in middle of the steering wheel or something??)
I would have thought they would be on the respective sides… left thumb or even squeeze with left hand to indicate left etc.
I haven't seen anything about the design of a tesla that I like, but I would still say buttons in a logical place would trump a stalk. A solid concept poorly implemented.
@SlickMick: Maybe once they get steer by wire across more models itll work better, but while youve got to do several turns of the wheel lock to lock its easy to confuse which button is which when the wheel 0is upside down.
"Everything on a touchscreen" does not fit well with keeping your eye on the road. Its near impossible to not look at the screen to activate it while physical tactile buttons can be felt before pressing. Voics activation will help, but when you are driving it is safer to operate controls by feel rather than using visuals.
@SlickMick: Check out the pic:
https://soyacincau.com/2023/11/07/tesla-model-3-signal-gear-…
When the steering wheel is 135 or 180 degree turned (say you are in the middle of a curve or a small roundabout), imagine trying to twist your head to recall whether the “left” is the upper or lower button now.
That’s what I call an insurmountable design flaw.
And while a familiar driver would eventually get used to it, imagine someone who’s driving this occasionally eg a borrowed or rental car. It’s a genuine safety concern.
@SlickMick: It's the same as pressing the brake to turn on an ICE vehicle which seems pretty standard these days. It then uses a combination of how you got into the spot you're parked in (IE reverse or forwards) and camera to determine which way you need to leave. It's only been wrong once since I started driving it, and that wasn't dangerous in any way just that i could have either reversed or driven straight from a parallel park.
@norrisrules: That's not the same at all. I have to have my foot on the brake to start my vehicle (which I don't really like, but I guess brake = stop = good).
I thought I was all for automation, but I definitely draw the line at the car taking a shot at assuming which way I want to go.
But what I really don't like about this is how unintuitive it is. Brake = stop in every definition except this.
At least Microsoft can say you press Start to initiate the Windows shutdown process, but I've love to hear a justification for brake = go.
@SlickMick: Ok so don't enable it then… It's a feature like anything else and if you can't get your head around it,use the prndl like you're used to. That's the beauty of it, if you want to benefit you can, otherwise stick to what you can handle.
I just don't understand all the furore from people who haven't bothered using it or understanding it any way. People that have never driven a Tesla are armchair experts about how something works and that there's going to be "inadvertent takeoffs" and "smashed up garages". Seems par for the course these days though…
I think the lack of a gearstick on a car without gears as such isn’t a huge problem. I do, however, question if it’s a sensible move with regard to child and pedestrian safety. Requiring the driver to manually engage the accelerator pedal by putting the car “in gear” seems like a valuable pre-start requirement to maintain if only to reduce inadvertent take-offs.
Requiring the driver to manually engage the accelerator pedal by putting the car “in gear” seems like a valuable pre-start requirement to maintain if only to reduce inadvertent take-offs.
There are not inadvertent take offs, the car doesn't just drive off by itself when you sit in it…. The driver needs to engage the accelerator pedal by putting their foot on the brake, this automatically selects the gear, they then need to move their foot to the accelerator pedal and press it to make the car move.
if only to reduce inadvertent take-offs.
And yet we have endless ICE cars in shop windows as people get confused even with manual gear selectors.
LOL yeh right you did on your first drive haha
Stalks are way better for roundabouts.
Have you driven a Polestar yet? I wasn't a big fan.
Yeah I found the dynamics lacking.
I tried the 2. Driving was really good but it wasn't roomy - transmission tunnel and the driver's footwell was inclined so felt awkward to get in and out.
I'm going to try the EV5 next week so hopefully that's better but reviews say it feels a bit cheap.
@Caped Baldy: Another reason I am hesitant on other manufacturers is that they have required service schedules which kinda defeats the purpose of getting an EV.
and no heads-up display - " HUDs annoying and they aren't necessary for cars that are becoming more autonomous" - Elon… makes sense but dude your cars aren't fully autonomous YET.
If only someine would invent a way to turn off something you don't want? Maybe like a tap but for electricity?
Elon's a dreamer - perhaps one day he can find a solution.
@JimmyF: You're just lucky that sentence doesn't apply to you as well JimmyF, a person destined to a lifetime full of rich achievements?
also, more people have tried and used Apple Car Play and/or Android Auto and they're just better for phone integration, messages, maps/nav, and other apps. No need for an additional subscription for the car's own premium data plan, the phone has data.
Tesla software isn't even close on where these two offer strong capability.
Tesla needs to add ACP&AA to an imminent software update across the fleet.
but then again, maybe software doesn't matter to most people. The MG is reported to be selling well and everybody rubbishes that software, though it does have ACP to lift it out of the manufacturer's dross.
Yeah about the only reason I walked away from buying one 3.5yrs ago… No Android auto
Yes. This. Bought another Model Y now because cannot deal with onscreen drive modes.
Polestar look great, unfortunately Model Y offers more boot space by far.
Get a xpeng
wont buy another one because the new ones have no stalks
You won't miss the ultra sonics, I have them on my MY and use Tesla Vision instead. Stalks, I like them, but everyone says they don't miss them after a week.
Probably will get a Polestar.
Rented a Polestar for nearly 3 weeks while in NZ once to see I made the right choice. Trust me, you will miss the Tesla! Polestar looks amazing on the outside, but inside its cramped, tech is strange and not logically. The back seat is a joke for more than 2 people, and has a transmission tunnel. Front cup holders are a joke and hard to access while driving, basically nearly having to reach behind you to get it.
Good things, the drivers display. Handled really well.
I'm a current Tesla Model Y owner and have been for years but if my car is written off for any reason and Tesla haven't reintroduced the stalks into future models, I'll be going elsewhere next time and I know most other people I've spoken to also share the same sentiment.
I know looks are subjective but I've always found the Polestars to be a bit of a head turner. I don't think I've ever looked back twice at a Tesla.
Nice choice!
It is because of him, but because of his (Lack of) direction, strategy or leadership.
He doesn't care anymore about Tesla he just wants to mess around with his social safe space.
That's clearly true - the guy simply has other interests now. Why else would he back a climate denier for Prez? Trump aint exactly gonna be good for Tesla's sales.
Wouldn't surprise me if he jumps into the arms business.
Polestars are good, but 3rd world charging experience.
As for the stalks, I shared your view until I test drove one. Your brain adapts very quickly and the software bridges the gaps, especially at roundabouts.
I do feel Tesla should have more buttons, but that is a me thing.
I now have my first EV (MG4), and my brain had to adapt. No start switch, no off switch. I next to no time, it's super easy and hard to go back.
As for the USS, the Tesla I tried had the vision, it was super accurate and far easier to use. (Caveat don't do dumb stuff and try and park super close), but park normally ect.. I was really surprised at the accuracy and level of detail.
360 views on other cars look great, but they are not exactly accurate on many makes\models, all an illusion.
Polestar sales are not great either.
Whats so surprising about it? I got used to it in the first 15 mins of driving one. You never have to do anything because the car can predict where you want to go and already has the car in forward or reverse. I can see how ultrasonic sensor could be a problem for some but the vision parking is pretty okay and there are camera's.
It IS because of Elon. I refuse to touch anything Tesla, including powerwall. The guy is a lunatic.
Have you actually driven one?
I've had my m3 for 5 months now and driving without stalks is much better, and safer.
Do you mind clarifying how driving without stalks is safer?
As someone in the market for an EV, it's because of Elon for me
Why was tesla selling so well? It was pretty mucb the only EV available. Why have sales slowed for tesla? Everyone now realises that tesla fanbois are a bit painful, the CEO has turned out to be a right *#/€♤$ and these a lot more competition available.
That CEO just got a hell of a lot more popular today.
After the election or after his appearance on JRE ?
Both.
Maybe for some. I suspect its gone the other way for more.
How sour do those grapes taste?
@Charmoffensive: Nah mate, this isn't high school. I don't care what people think on the internet about me or want them to like me.
Why don't you go spend some time in the BYD groups, you'll see they are a pack of fanboys worse than the Tesla ones by a long shot.
@JimmyF: why would you want to spend time in ANY fanboy group. I don't get the mentality that is so common with people like Tesla fans where they need to hear other fans echo their same thoughts.
why would you want to spend time in ANY fanboy group
That is what happens when you get a group full owners of that brand. I'm there to learn about the cars, not the people.
As I said in another reply, I spend time in both Tesla and BYD groups. Tesla owners have their own set of issues, but at least they keep it to Tesla, mostly defending the brands quirks, but the BYD owners are far worse. They spend all day comparing their car to a Tesla and trying to convince people it is better, all while whining about everyone else.
@JimmyF: Tesla and BYD fans are as bad as each other. I will avoid both brands just because their idiotic followers
@Minimum chips: I can post my opinion, I just don't care if you agree or disagree with it. There is a difference.
I spend time in both Tesla and BYD groups. Tesla owners have their own set of issues, but at least they keep it to Tesla, mostly defending the brands quirks, but the BYD owners are far worse. They spend all day comparing their car to a Tesla and trying to convince people it is better, all while whining about everyone else.
@JimmyF: But why share your opinion unless you are seeking some kind of reaction, be it positive or negative, why not just write your opinions on paper and toss it to the wind? Like fundamentally if you don't care what anyone else thinks, what motivates you to engage? This is all optional.
Maybe you're just looking for a negative reaction.
@Minimum chips: As I said, I can post my opinion, I just don't care if you agree or disagree with it. There is a difference. I care enough to share my opinion, I don't care enough if you don't agree with it, I'm not going to be losing sleep over some neg votes as people don't agree that BYD owners are worse than Tesla owners.
Its is ozbargain, its full of Elon/Tesla/EV haters after all.
Hybrid for the win