Tesla Motors Inc CEO: Model X Is Harder To Design

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The Model X SUV of Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) seems to be more popular than the Model S. According to reports, there are approximately 13,000 reservations for the electric SUV. However, some observers were surprised that the electric car manufacturer had no Model X on display during the Geneva Auto Salon several weeks ago.

Tesla Model X reservations

Tesla Motors Club, a forum that tracks any development or news about the electric car manufacturer, suggested that the waiting list for the Model X reached more than 13,000 worldwide including 9,907 in the United States, 433 in Canada, 1,916 in Europe, and 764 in China.

The forum also suggested that 1,598 reserved for the premium signature model and the rest are waiting for the regular production Model X vehicles. Take note that the figure is not precise as it does not officially come from Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA). However, the numbers show that the early demand for the Model X is high.

Musk explains reason for Model X delays

Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) pushed back the launching of the Model X a few times and its production has been scheduled in 2015.

In a previous interview with Bloomberg, Tesla CEO Elon Musk admitted that the Model X presents a harder design compared with the Model S.  He also took some of the blame for the delays of the Model X.

Musk said, “I’m somewhat of a perfectionist when it comes to product design. So, I can actually take the blame for some of that delay being due to me personally not being completely happy with the product.”

“The hardest thing about the X is achieving great form and great functionality. It’s easy to give up on one of those two. It’s damn hard to make an SUV that’s beautiful and yet incredibly functional at the same time. Actually, it’s a harder design problem than the Model S,” he added.

Furthermore, Musk explained that the company was also focused on ensuring that the Model S was delivered with excellent service in all geographies, which partly caused the delays of the Model X. Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) became busy in making the Model S available in Europe and Eastern markets.

People waiting for the Model X should be happy to know that the Model X production is even better. According to Musk, “I really am quite insistent that the production version be superior to anything we’ve demonstrated before.”

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