Random Thoughts Thread

[G. David Felt]

This looks so freakin great.

 

[trinacriabob]

While I really like Panera's concept and vibe, their portion control is, literally, for the birds.

[G. David Felt]

On 3/29/2025 at 8:13 AM, Drew Dowdell said:

But on the topic of politics. I have a tariff story I want to work on that is bound to get hyper political about how the tariffs are about to kill off one whole segment of cars.  Do we think we can handle it without getting nasty with each other?

Been thinking on this and I honestly have to say that I think the Tariffs are going to do what 47 is not wanting to have happen. The DEATH of ICE!!!

First is IRA has been a massive hit in regard to investing in battery plants and EV production plants.

Second is ICE autos are far more complex than EVs with the average ICE having between 20,000 to 30,000 parts and most of the small stuff is imported in.

Third EVs are far simpler to produce here in America with the average EV having between 15,000 to 20,000 components and the motor, battery and controler plant as well as wiring is already built here. As the RAW Material for Lithium and other battery components builds up in North America, I see no reason to go backwards for the Boomers with more ICE, but move forward with Hybrids for the Boomers and pure EVs for those that have common sense on moving forward into the future.

Tariffs is death to ICE more than EVs as it also brings parity in price to EVs due to the increase in prices for ICE built outside the U.S.

People will see this now that various auto companies have stated like VW/Audi/Porsche will have a Tariff line on the window invoice showing how much extra money will be paid to the U.S. government. Taxation at it's biggest point ever since 1930.

2 hours ago, trinacriabob said:

While I really like Panera's concept and vibe, their portion control is, literally, for the birds.

Pathetic that they kept prices the same and shrunkflation has happened in the portion size. Pretty much you have to order double to get what they used to serve.

[G. David Felt]

If Chinese UK MG ever gets their EVs here, GAME OVER for Tesla. After reading this story and looking at what MG is doing in Europe and the Asian rim, I can see these under $35,000 EVs making a big hit here.

I drove this Chinese EV and it's just another example of the trouble Tesla is in

This makes me even feel stronger that if Kia and GM get their $25K to $35K EVs going here, that masses will buy them.

[G. David Felt]

This should be interesting if it is accurate on the new generation of Cadillac Sedans being EVs.

Cadillac's Electric CT4, CT5 Replacement: Everything We Know

@Robert Hall You just might have a new choice in the near future.

[G. David Felt]

I have to agree with this early investor and current stockholder that feels Tesla is doomed unless Musk goes!

They need a new face of Tesla and one that is focused on Tesla the auto company and not distracted by robots, AI and other stuff that TESLA is NOT.

Key Tesla investor makes blunt prediction for the company's future

[trinacriabob]

2 hours ago, G. David Felt said:

Pathetic that they kept prices the same and shrunkflation has happened in the portion size. Pretty much you have to order double to get what they used to serve.

The thing is that Panera offers a better laptop and hot drink environment than does Starbucks and they cash in on that.  It's "space rental."

The tab for a HALF chicken avocado chipotle sandwich and a small CUP of baked potato soup (both good, not great) was absurd.  Coffee, tea, and lemonade are roughly the same.

I go there because it's near a friend's condo and it's better for having a discussion than a fairly nice Starbucks nearby.  A Starbucks has to have an excellent interior for me to go there and pay their now crazy prices for coffee and tea.