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Unread 31-07-2007, 18:30
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Re: Dean Kamen and the new "Think"

Couple of my own analyses. Just my .02 so take it lightly.

Cost
It would still cost about as much per month for the normal consumer to use as a regular gasoline car however, and possibly more than a hybrid does due to the "battery lease" or whichever other name you prefer. The great news is that it should cost no more than a normal 4-cyllinder gasoline car -- my TSX is decent gas milleage, sporty, comfy, and gives great thrills while costing ~$200/month in gas, maintenance, and insurance. Give me those qualities in this new car (plus seat warmers if you offer leather -- it's durn cold in the winter) and I'm definitely the type of customer for this car.

Investors and Business Model
If you know the story of Dell and why it's successful (no PEBCAK wars please) then you'll understand why this manufacturing concept is good for both the consumer and the company. Also taking into account the power of customisation and possible inexpensive ways to add new body frames, it's pretty easy to see how this looks like a solid business model that could appeal to many many customers in the not so distant future.

Flaws
On an interesting note, researchers have found and are still finding ways to make other means of gas-less cars more feasible. Examples are full-scale sterling engines, fuel cells that operate at normal car temps (cheap nano-diamond injection), increased efficiency hybrids, and other electric-car concepts (though this is the most feasible-looking). These are all examples of competing technologies and the sad truth about those is that it takes gigantic market shifts over a period of time to see a new "standard". In other words, electric car technology didn't win last time it competed with gasoline & steam, and now it has even more competitors before it becomes a norm.

Other than the coolness factor, I see no reason for the car to hook up directly to the internet. Yea I'd be happy to know that my car is telling me when the "gas tank is near empty", however I also know how to read a gas tank as it is now -- a simple gauge that tells me estimated miles and/or drive time (in minutes) is left would suffice. The privacy/security implications are endless.

For the younger generation, at least people around me as the subject comes up, it's my conclusion and also my opinion that the Prius is quite possibly one of the ugliest cars in production today. Think is "cute" but it's not mini-cooper cute nor is it sporty with its current body style. The company should aim for different body styles, lengths/widths, comfort zones, etc if they're looking to go large-scale. I'm sure they've thought of this but the commentary in the article doesn't mention it.
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