The Visionary of Tesla Motors, Elon Musk

This is a small selection of my research paper discussing the importance of Relationship Management Theory in business and how the general public reflects their thoughts about Elon Musk. 

Abstract

The study and practice of public relations has continuously explored the possible benefits that arrive when organizations accept that a relationship oriented goal in public relations management is crucial to their success. The current investigation explores and examines the ways that Elon Musk, the face of Tesla Motors, leads and influences the public and his company in a mutually beneficial experience. The results suggest that a visionary leader, in this case Elon Musk, that respects the opinions of the public can reinvent the way businesses and consumers influence each other in a mutually positive manner. Discussion of future research and findings of this study are considered.


Analysis

A content analysis on Elon Musk of his behaviors and the public’s perception of the CEO was curated. Multiple artifacts were studied from individuals that had personal experiences working with Musk and how Musk is compared to other historically revolutionary individuals along with his current successes. During my analysis of Elon Musk I found three main themes that are further divided into smaller sub categories. These themes are: Elon Musk as a visionary, public’s perception of Musk, and Musks influential power.

Visionary
The most dominant theme found was a visionary identity. The visionary theme defines someone that builds the future with great wisdom, insight and boldness. Specifically, a visionary describes someone that is changing the world and humanity itself. Visionaries are also compared to other historically important visionaries. Elon Musk has been compared to Steve Jobs, Henry Ford, Bill Gates, Howard Hughes, and even Iron Man. 

You can find more information here. 

The Future of Cars #3

Hydrogen Power

Finally, a alternate source of power for vehicles is being introduced by Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai next year. The auto manufactures have been evaluating these models for more than a decade, and more car companies such as Mercedes and GM are working on models as well. 

One of the benefits of Hydrogen fuel cells is that they are capable of long range driving unlike the Model S from Tesla (an all electric power house). These vehicles can reach distances of 400 miles, recharge in a matter of minutes. and are of course environmentally friendly. 

However, hydrogen fuel cells have other challenges, one being the lack of refilling stations in the U.S. Another challenge is the lack of performance in colder climates and the batteries are simply massive for the car compared to the Model S battery. Manufactures are working on overcoming these problems though, Honda and Toyota claim that they have already made successful advances at these obstacles with the help of constantly improving technology. 

3-D Printing Innovation Making better Vehicles?

The technology for 3-D printing only gets better, and with the latest news from Frontier Additive Manufacturing it could make vehicles more advanced and efficient. 

Eric Lynch, president and co-founder of Frontier Additive Manufacturing commented, "We are commercializing a multiple-laser method to create products at the micro-structural level that exceeds current 3-D printing capabilities' structural integrity with the ability to adjust material properties in the original location of the part. These are replacement or new products that could easily replace new or worn parts in manufacturing machinery, automotive or aerospace engines. The technology is developing quickly, and we are already successfully engaged with the medical implant industry. We also are in discussions with the automotive, aerospace and oil and gas industries."


The older 3-D printing methods could only hold about 60-70% of the original parts, which could obviously create problems down the road. Although Eric Lynch and his company are finding solutions to go above and beyond what was previously thought possible. The company's work is also decreasing the time needed to make such products significantly. Lynch claims that they'll be able to manufacture parts in an all in one center, cutting down on certain processes that were previously needed and focus the work on a single part. 

This has the potential to help the auto industry produce stronger, lighter, more advanced parts faster than ever before. 

Autopilot Features & Capability Tesla Motors Model S D

With all the hype of Tesla Motors latest model "the D", is the autopilot feature really capable of handling itself the way it's promoted? I believe the answer is yes... and no. 

At the moment, it is one of the most advanced cars available with some of the greatest safety features ever built in. The autopilot used a system of new radars, GPS, and camera sensors to run on the road. These features are unmistakably impressive, but the reality of it is that it's more of a turbo charged driver assist feature as of now. Musk has reveled future plans though for the vehicle that will improve it's autopilot functions as time goes on. 

Although, when the vehicle is described by Musk as, "this car is nuts. It's like taking off from a carrier deck. It's just bananas. It's like having your own personal roller coaster", I would want to feel the power transferring into my hands on the steering wheel, non-stop. 

Autopilot & Power - Tesla Motors Model D

Tesla Motors has been leading the outbreak of electric vehicles for almost a decade now with Elon Musk at the helm. This latest model, the Dual Motor Model S, was introduced today after weeks of speculation.

Musk states that his vehicle is, "taking technology to the next level". It certainly look like it too. The Dual Motor Model S has Autopilot features like no other. The new system will move the vehicle over lanes with ONLY the flick of the wrist, moving the turn signal. That's right, the foot isn't on the pedal and the hands are completely free of the steering wheel. Naturally, this is all done while obeying the speed limit . This new model can read incoming speed limit signs and adjust accordingly while on the go. In a future updates, the car will be able to park itself in the owners garage or driveway while the driver is dropped off at the front door. This also works in the reverse scenario, slowly making its way to the driver wherever they may be.

The newest Tesla addition is incredibly fast, matching the McLaren's 3.2 second dash from 0-60 mph. "It's like having your own personal roller coaster," said Musk.