Tesla Motors Part III – Model S & Model X- Design/Features/Attributes

Written by me for BRANDInsider.tv

With the Tesla Model S on the market and the Model X to follow, BRANDInsider  takes you on a personal tour of key design elements, features and vehicle attributes that differentiate the Tesla Brand from its competitors. Tesla’s VP of Sales & Ownership Experience, George Blankenship gives BI an up close and personal overview of both models as well as insight and strategy behind the brand’s direction.

Model X Design – According to Tesla’s website, the Model X was “designed from the ground up to blend the best of an SUV with the benefits of a minivan, as only an electric car can.” The model X says Tesla, “was built around the driver—and six of her friends. It artfully provides unfettered performance and brilliant functionality.” Model X includes an optional Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The second motor enables more to the all-weather, all-road capabilities by increasing torque 50%. When outfitted with AWD, Model X Performance accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds, outperforming the fastest SUVs and many sports cars.

Model S Visual Appeal – George Blankenship says, Tesla wanted to create vehicles that people would be passionate about driving and passionate about their design and styling. The door handles of the Model S are an example of this passion for design.  When they are not in use, the handles retract into the body, streamlining airflow and reducing drag. When a driver approaches the vehicle with the key, the handles slide out and unlatch with a simple touch. Another Model S design feature  is the panoramic sunroof, which is constructed from lightweight safety glass and opens wider than any other sedan’s panoramic roof, with a simple swipe of the touch screen.

Instant Electric Torque – Tesla’s Model S motor has only one moving part, the rotor. As a result acceleration is instantaneous, like flipping a switch. In 5.6 seconds, Model S will reach 60 miles per hour, without hesitation and without a drop of gasoline.

Safety – Tesla knows that the safety of their vehicles critical, especially in the Model X which will be used by families.  As Blankenship told BI, “Tesla has really emphasized making their vehicles as safe as possible” and believes Tesla will earn a five star crash safety rating for the Model X, scheduled for release in 2014.

We want to hear from you! What do you like about Tesla’s design in the Model S and X?

Do or Die – A Prescription For Effective Marketing

With the growing impact, influence and importance of digital marketing, it is crucial to be active in this media to realize marketing success for your clients and your own company.

Clark Kokich is the author of Do or Die and has been recognized as one of the premiere thought-leaders in the world of digital marketing.  Kokich is also the Chairman of Razorfish, a global digital agency that serves nearly a quarter of all Fortune 100 companies. Clark shares with BrandInsider his prescription for more effective marketing: moving from just ‘saying things’ to your audience to actually ‘doing things’ that people find entertaining, useful and relevant.

Part I- Kokich reveals why he wrote Do or Die and addresses key principles other companies can use to organize and execute their business plans more effectively. He also shares insights to help companies move from the past to the future, as well as the key differences between traditional and digital agencies.

Part II- Clark lays out his view of the emerging “agencies of the future”. He also talks about how successful marketing has shifted from “telling people about your product” to “the customer experience with your product”. Kokich explores key points to achieving a competitive edge over the competition.

Part III – Do or Die is the first full length business book turned into an app, and Kokich talks about this digital, inter-active approach to publishing. Clark challenges all companies to ask them selves the really hard questions about what they do well and what they may be doing wrong, and fix those the areas that effect reality. He shatters the “expert” perception in the digital age of marketing, “wait 5 minutes and someone or something else will emerge as the next big thing”.

Part IV – Clark emphasizes that companies need to embrace the “digital experience” approach, and sites Nike as a prime example of a company that built its success through a television campaign that connected with their audience by “experiencing the brand”, rather than selling the quality the shoe. According to Kokich, marketers have the power to control and manage all aspects of the digital experience the customer receives because of the multiple new media outlets.

Part V- In this last webisode Clark Kokich told BI that companies should not be afraid of experimentation or even failure, with digital marketing ideas. He is a big believer in, “Being in charge of the pig and not the lipstick“. He shares that building experiences for customers is essential, since they are part of the creation of the business; and Kokich reveals a few tips from his 9-point manifesto on moving from “saying to doing”.

Tesla Motors Spotlight: Brand Strategy & Marketing

Hello BRANDInsiders! Our latest featured webisode on Tesla Motors is part of a three-part profile. Part I provided a great overview of Tesla as a brand and their key products and features. Part II takes a closer look at their marketing approach, strategy and philosophy as a company and brand.

We interviewed George Blankenship, VP of Sales and Ownership Experience for Tesla at their Newport Beach California retail store at Fashion Island. Tesla unveiled new, never before seen by the public, vehicle paint colors along with the OC first look at the next Tesla vehicle, the Model S. Among many revealing comments, George told Brand Insider.tv, that “Tesla hopes to change and redefine the 100-year-old car buying experience”. Tesla’s unique approach to marketing will be web centered with heavy social media support combined with a friendly informative, “in-store” experience for the customer”, that will leave feeling really good about Tesla as a brand and as a product, they will want to purchase.

Be sure to come back to watch part III of the series that features in-depth the Model X and Model S!

Do you like Tesla’s pricing strategy? Let us know, and don’t forget to like and subscribe our channel!