How is this different from a recall? I've had a number of recalls on various vehicles and it usually just involves the dealer replacing some part or another. The fact that Tesla is mailing the part to customers in this case makes it not a recall...?
In the eyes of the consumer it feels much less obtrusive.
Hearing that 30,000 Model S owners have to take their car back to the shop to get a problem fixed feels much worse than receiving a part in the mail.
The latter makes me feel like it's a simple fix since I don't have to have a mechanic do it and that it must not be that serious if they trust me to do it myself.
Semantics aside, as far as PR goes there's a huge difference.
A "recall" is usually used in reference to a product being physically returned to the supplier in some form. A vehicle recall means you have to take the vehicle to the manufacturer or dealer so they can take physical action on it for you.
This isn't a recall because you're not taking your vehicle anywhere. They're sending you something. I don't really know what to actually call it, though.
The title suggests that tens of thousands of people will take their Teslas back to the shop, which is not the case (instead, the owners will receive a new adapter in the mail).
My verdict is split between sloppy journalism, and a quick hatchet job.
My 2008 Toyota Highlander has had like 3-4 recalls that I had to go into the dealer for. The last of which was software. And, I'm not counting the one where I pulled in for a service and the dude said "whoa, your tires are falling apart" and I got 5 brand new tires. I had 15k miles on the originals.
The big news for Tesla today was that they announced 6900 cars delivered in Q4 of last year. They had guided for slightly under 6000 cars delivered, so this is a big surprise and the reason for today's stock spike.
TeslaMotors also tweeted that revenue is expected to exceed guidance by 20% in Q4 2013.
Straight from the DOT recall listing site (which I can't link directly to because it is terrible), it says "Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2013 Model S vehicles equipped for, and delivered with, certain NEMA 14-50 (240 volt) Universal Mobile Connector (UMC) adapters. During charging, the adapter, cord, or wall outlet could overheat."
Fundamentally, it seems like a safety issue that has to be addressed is just called a "recall", regardless of whether the car has to be taken in or not. That's why Musk said no cars were "physically recalled."
I've been following the norwegian Tesla Model S forum closely the last couple of weeks. The winter set in a couple of days ago, with temperatures down towards -20 degrees celsius. Lots of Tesla owners have serious issues with charging. The car doesn't accept charge, stops charging before it's done, etc. Luckily, third-part charging cables seem to work flawlessly.
Was that article thrown together in 10 minutes? It's filled with typos:
"But federal safety regulators on Tuesday classified as a recall Tesla' move to provide upgraded wall adapters and charging software, citing the risk of fire."
"involving a Model Sin Irvine, California, which the "
Let's agree that recall are not what they used to be for most of the car industry. Calling or not calling it a recall is a PR matter. I love tesla, but if an adapter is being changed, it's being recalled.
This is an incredibly misleading title. Tesla owners will undergo no inconvenience, since the item being replaced is the wall adapter, not any parts on the car.
It's definitely officially a recall, given that Tesla reported it to the Recall Management Divison of the DOT and provided them with the "Recall Service Bulletin." The fact that Tesla never calls it a recall in their PR is telling.
Now we hear otherwise. This is yet another example of how Musk is chewing on a wad of crazy--and every so often he'll spit some at you. Take what they say with a grain of salt. They will do anything, say anything to protect the company and the vision.
I love how the technical meaning of recall competing with the common sense of it is used by Musk as yet another PR opportunity.
While this one is a natural fit, he's been absolutely amazing at keeping Tesla in the news. His PR storm for Tesla has been opportunistic, brilliant, and incredibly successful.
I find it interesting that Tesla hasn't reached out to owners yet. It seems like something that should've gone out in a basic email to their email list of Model S owners...at least to put those of us who use the 14-50 adapter every day at ease...
@elonmusk "There was an over-the-air software update (done last month) and an upgraded US 14-50 adapter will be mailed to customers."
@elonmusk "Some confusion in media reports today. No Tesla vehicles are being physically recalled by Tesla."
https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/423145289310953473
https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/423144357873479680