Tesla, Once Beloved by Critics, Ranks Near Bottom of New Consumer Reports Survey
Tesla, the upstart all-electric automaker that once landed Consumer Reports' best-ever performance rating, has now achieved a far less impressive feat, with a ranking from the reviewer that labels it one the least reliable car companies in America.
The Consumer Reports' ranking, released Monday, places Tesla at no. 25 of 29 for reliability, with reviewers saying the automaker's new Model X SUV "has been plagued with malfunctions," including with the "falcon-wing doors" that have become its signature.
The rough review, based on annual surveys of the magazine's subscribers, marks only the latest hurdle for America's youngest major automaker, which has energized the country's scrawny electric-car industry but has also struggled with repeated production and delivery delays.
Tesla's sedan, the Model S, was recommended by reviewers after its reliability scores improved from what Consumer Reports last year called a "worse-than-average overall problem rate."
Buick Ranked Highest U.S. Brand by Consumer Reports
General Motors Co. Buick brand soared in Consumer Reports annual auto reliability rankings, moving up four spots to finish third behind Lexus and Toyota.
The GM premium brand was praised by the influential magazine for its best showing by a domestic brand in 35 years.
“Buick’s achievement is commendable and sure to be a wake-up call to other manufacturers,” Jake Fisher, Consumer Reports’ director of automotive testing, said in a statement. “One reason why the brand has been able to leapfrog others in the General Motors’ stable has been its limited vehicle lineup — with none of the pickups and truck-based SUVs that have negatively impacted Cadillac and Chevrolet.”
Tesla for the first time is ranked, coming in No. 25 out of 29 brands studied. This year, Tesla was included because it met the criteria of having at least two vehicles to evaluate with the launch of the Model X SUV. Consumer Reports says the Model X had a number of problems with its launch, including malfunctioning falcon-wing doors, leaks, infotainment and climate control issues.
The Best Work Perk: Getting Your Evenings and Weekends Back
These days, a lot of companies expect their employees to regularly work more than 40 hours a week. But here's a radical suggestion: Just stop.
One CEO believes that working excessively long hours is not only unnecessary if everyone manages their time and energy well, it won't help the company's bottom line either.
Jason Fried, founder of project management software maker Basecamp, practices what he preaches, rarely logging more than 8-hour days himself and directing his executives and other employees to do the same. His company, with about 50 employees, just celebrated its 17th anniversary.
Rough Economic Road Ahead For Detroit 3? How Well Are They Prepared?
Anyone who has spent more than a decade in the auto business knows the cycle will turn, and after a six-year renaissance from near death we may be approaching such a point.
But don't hit the panic button.
Yes, Ford is idling four assembly plants for two weeks in Louisville, and taking one week off at each of two plants in Mexico and a week off in Kansas City, where workers produce the F-150, the highly profitable Clydesdale of Ford's lineup.
Cindy Gomez: The Most Cost-Effective Way to Plan for Vehicle Ordering
When it comes to cost-effective planning for vehicle ordering, Donlen has a tried and true method of working backwards from customer expectations.
