Popeyes commercial unmistakably features a Tesla with edited features
Popeyes
A 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl costs approximately $7 million, and the legacy brands were paying up for the big game. But, it was Tesla that was cashing in. According to Google Trends, Tesla, Model Y, and Model 3 were hot topics during the game.
The undisputed king of electric vehicles, which doesn't spend a dime on advertising, was getting all the attention as legacy brands promoted their (slow) transition to EVs. Tesla did appear in the game to make matters worse for those old-school brands. The face of Tesla, Elon Musk, scored some face time during the broadcast. The Tesla CEO, sporting a Doge Coin t-shirt, was spotted watching the game from a private box.
Legacy Brand Advertising
General Motors aired a one-minute ad in conjunction with Netflix. Will Ferrell starts the commercial by stating, "General Motors is going electric." Well, better late than never. Ironically, he is surrounded by zombies while saying the line, which could signify just how behind GM is; however, the ad states that more EVs will be in Netflix-produced shows and movies.
Dodge also produced a one-minute ad, at the cost of $14 million, to advertise their Ram 1500 Rev, a truck not slated to be on the road until well after the next Super Bowl in late 2024. Titled: Premature Electrification, the commercial was cringe-worthy, awkwardly trying to link medical conditions with electric vehicle myths.
Ads That Used Teslas
A Tesla did appear during the Super Bowl festivities in a Popeyes ad. There's no doubt it was a Tesla, but some post-production editing was done to make the vehicle described as "electric, of course," not a billboard for the automaker. The side repeaters were removed, and the door handles were altered.
Popeyes Superbowl Commercial
One commercial was unmistakably the world leader in electric vehicles but was a negative spot. The Dawn Project, a self-proclaimed safety advocate group, paid for a smear campaign aimed at Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. The 30-second ad aired in Washington D.C. and some other state capitals, including Austin, Tallahassee, Albany, Atlanta and Sacramento. Dan O'Dowd, the founder of the Dawn Project, funded the ad. He is also the CEO of Green Hill Software, a company working on its automated driving systems. By the way, Teslas with Autopilot engaged are shown to be ten times safer than human-piloted cars.
As Musk enjoyed the game, the number of Google searches for his car company skyrocketed. That could mean a repeat performance of last year when Tesla reported a significant spike in orders after the Super Bowl. The competition must keep advertising - on Tesla's behalf.
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Musk believes owners will see a big improvement in Tesla's latest auto-sensing wiper updates
LegendaryOutlaw/Reddit
On the heels of last week's wiper news about Tesla's auto-sensing feature, CEO Elon Musk has proclaimed that "wipers will be super good." This declaration seems to center on the recent rollout of the Autowiper v4 system, indicating a shift away from the previously hyped 'Deep Rain' concept.
Retracing the Path to Autowiper v4
While Tesla's auto wiper system had shortcomings, the company has taken note of user feedback to refine and upgrade the technology. Musk's tweet today brings attention to this effort, sparking speculation and excitement among Tesla owners.
The Autowiper v4 is a testament to Tesla's commitment to improving its driver experience, promising to deliver more precise and responsive wiper control in various weather conditions. This development represents the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and customer experience.
Pausing the 'Deep Rain' Concept
Musk's tweet also coincides with reports that Tesla may be stepping back from its 'Deep Rain' neural net. Once touted as the definitive solution to wiper sensitivity issues, the 'Deep Rain' feature can now be disabled internally in the new FSD Beta 11.4.2 release according to Tesla hacker, GreenTheOnly.
This unexpected turn of events has caused a buzz in the Tesla community. While some express disappointment, others see it as a strategic move to streamline the auto wiper system, shifting focus to the promising Autowiper v4.
Harnessing Surround Video for Enhanced Rain Detection
Musk apologized for the past performance of Tesla's auto wipers and revealed a key update in the tweet. Tesla is transitioning from a single camera, single frame neural net to a surround video system. This means the company is compiling video from all onboard cameras into a 360-degree view, which the neural net will then analyze.
Notably, this upgrade reflects Musk's vision of fully autonomous vehicles and how they may transform car ownership. The system can gain a comprehensive understanding of its surroundings by utilizing multiple camera feeds. This move promises improved rain detection and signifies a step toward Tesla's self-driving goals.
Embracing the Future: The Role of Autowiper v4
As Tesla continues to innovate, the Autowiper v4 system could play a key role in overcoming the challenges previously faced by the auto wiper system. Integrating all onboard cameras promises a better understanding of weather conditions, potentially increasing the system's efficiency and accuracy.
While in its early days, the Autowiper v4 represents an exciting advancement in Tesla's technological capabilities. It shows that Tesla is listening to its user base and remains committed to delivering improvements and upgrades that directly address the needs and concerns of its drivers.
What the Future Holds
The shelving of the 'Deep Rain' concept and the introduction of the Autowiper v4 system marks a critical juncture for Tesla's auto wiper technology. The shift to a surround video system demonstrates Tesla's unwavering commitment to innovation and user experience improvement.
While these developments have caused a stir in the Tesla community, the real test will come when Tesla enables v4 and lets drivers experience the new system. As the anticipation grows, the spotlight remains on Tesla as we wait to see if these updates deliver on their promise. The story of Tesla's Autowiper system is far from over, and it will be fascinating to watch it unfold.
Tesla has found an interesting loophole to get around direct sale laws
Tesla
Tesla has engineered a brilliant workaround to tackle the direct sales ban instituted in several US states. This ingenious move involves partnering with Native American tribes to establish showrooms on tribal land, allowing Tesla to navigate prohibitive sales laws.
Partnering with Native American Tribes
Spearheading this innovative strategy, Tesla has announced plans to open a spacious 25,000-square-foot showroom on land owned by the Oneida Indian Nation in Madison County, New York. Set to be operational by 2025, this will be Tesla’s first direct sales facility outside the New York City area, offering a new hub for customers in upstate New York.
This savvy approach isn't new for the company. In 2021, Tesla made similar arrangements with the Nambe Pueblo tribe in New Mexico, opening a showroom and service center on tribal land to sidestep the state's restrictive sales law. This partnership benefited Tesla and provided an economic boost for the tribe.
Benefiting Both Parties
The collaboration with the Oneida Indian Nation offers mutual advantages. The agreement will facilitate Tesla's expansion, whilst the Nation will benefit from the showroom’s construction and ongoing operations, offering employment opportunities to local tribal members and residents. Tesla's committed to fostering local talent via its workforce development programs, providing members of the Oneida Indian Nation with potential career paths within the company.
Tesla's strategic move is more than just an inventive legal sidestep"it's a powerful statement in favor of sustainable transportation. Through the partnership, the company aims to increase access to electric vehicles and charging infrastructure for Nation Members and residents of Upstate New York, contributing to broader environmental objectives.
Tesla’s Stance on Direct Sales
Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, has made it clear that the company prefers to sell directly to consumers, bypassing third-party dealerships. However, many states, including New York, have stringent laws that compel vehicle manufacturers to sell via dealerships. Tesla's partnership with Native American tribes serves as a compelling workaround, demonstrating the company's determination to bring its electric vehicles to as many customers as possible.
While this strategy may not be applicable everywhere, it demonstrates Tesla's ability to identify and exploit legal loopholes that work in its favor. It’s a testament to the company's relentless drive for growth, even in the face of regulatory challenges. This move sets a precedent for other manufacturers facing similar obstacles, offering a novel approach to tackle such constraints.
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