Tesla Prepares for Factory Tours at Giga Berlin with New Hire

By Kevin Armstrong
Tesla appears to be preparing for tours at Giga Berlin
Tesla appears to be preparing for tours at Giga Berlin

Tesla's Giga Berlin factory is ready to be shown off to the world, marking a defining moment for the company in Europe. The factory, which recently welcomed a visit from Maye Musk, mother of Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, is making significant progress. To share its progress and innovation with the public, Tesla seeks a Content and Programs Associate to create and lead engaging and informative factory tour experiences at Gigafactory Berlin.

VIP Tours Like Maye Musk?

The job posting for the Content and Programs Associate comes after a recent visit by Maye Musk, who shared her experience on social media, including photos of her evening out in Berlin in a beautiful Midnight Cherry Red Tesla Model Y.

The role will primarily focus on factory tours, interacting with various stakeholders within and outside the company, and assisting the work of the Content and Programs Team on-site in Berlin. The successful candidate will manage tour requests and bookings, present compelling content to a broad audience, plan and execute events, and interact with public and internal stakeholders.

Possible Return to Tours in US

Tesla used to offer factory tours at their Fremont factory in California but suspended the tradition in 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, with the recent developments at Giga Berlin and the new job posting, the company may be gearing up to restart factory tours, possibly for both Tesla owners and the general public. The tours used to be available at no cost to any Tesla owners. The company provided hour-long tours from Monday to Friday. Owners had the chance to view the factory from an electric cart.

Fun fact, in the book Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future, Musk told author Ashlee Vance he was considering installing a rollercoaster-type ride inside the factory to make it easier to get around.

The new role comes at an exciting time for Tesla's European operations. Unfortunately, we can only view the operation from the sky with views from YouTubers. However, Tesla's Giga Berlin is ramping up quickly, and the Content and Programs Associate will be able to share the company with the public.

With the success of the factory tours in California, it's exciting to see the company gear up to provide a similar experience for the public in Europe and help write the next chapter of Tesla's success story.

A Trip Down Memory Lane: The Electrifying Rivalry Between Elon Musk and Jeremy Clarkson [Video]

By Kevin Armstrong
Elon Musk and Jeremy Clarkson have an ongoing feud
Elon Musk and Jeremy Clarkson have an ongoing feud
Elon Musk Viral Videos/YouTube

The automotive world has witnessed many rivalries throughout history, but none quite as electrifying as the ongoing feud between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and British television presenter Jeremy Clarkson. These two larger-than-life personalities have consistently butted heads over electric vehicles, Tesla's performance, and the future of transportation. Let's take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the most memorable moments from this epic battle of wits and opinions.

The Spark That Ignited the Feud

It all began in 2008, when Clarkson, then a host of the popular British television show Top Gear, reviewed Tesla's first production car (video below), the Roadster. In Season 12, Episode 7, Clarkson was critical of the Roadster's range and reliability, with the segment featuring the car running out of battery and breaking down. Tesla quickly claimed that the breakdown was staged for dramatic effect, a claim that BBC denied.

The Aftermath and Legal Action

Tesla didn't take Clarkson's review lightly. In 2011, the electric car manufacturer filed a lawsuit against BBC, alleging defamation and malicious falsehood. However, the British High Court dismissed the case in 2013, with the judge stating that no Top Gear viewer would have reasonably compared the Roadster's performance to that of a traditional sports car based on the episode.

The War of Words

The legal battle didn't put an end to the rivalry. Over the years, Musk and Clarkson exchanged barbs through interviews and social media. In a 2018 interview with The Independent, Clarkson called Musk "an idiot" and claimed they "almost had a fight." In response, Musk took to Twitter and called Clarkson "weird" and "rude." In 2021, Clarkson talked about Musk's kids' unique names and suggested he call them "John or Jane or whatever."

The Twitter Battle

The rivalry between Musk and Clarkson has expanded beyond the realm of electric vehicles. Recently, Clarkson shared his thoughts on Musk's new Twitter laws and claimed that the new CEO should be paying him to use the social media network. In his Sunday Times column, Clarkson expressed his outrage at the proposed new costs for blue tick verification. He argued that he brings in advertising for the platform and should not be paying for the verification. This latest episode showcases the enduring feud between these two influential figures.

The Autopilot Debate

Clarkson has also criticized Tesla's Autopilot feature, questioning its safety and reliability. He once called it "an accident waiting to happen" after a fatal accident involving a Tesla Model S operating on Autopilot in 2016. However, Musk has dismissed Clarkson's concerns as biased and uninformed, insisting that critics have an outdated view of electric vehicles and are resistant to change.

The Model X Review and Beyond

Despite his new-found popularity, Clarkson didn't shy away from critiquing Tesla. In a 2019 episode of The Grand Tour, he reviewed the Tesla Model X, acknowledging its advancements while questioning its design and practicality. Clarkson said, "The truth is, the world's most hated car company has changed the world," but he also questioned whether electric vehicles would ever fully replace internal combustion engine cars.

The Grand Tour and Clarkson's Farm

After leaving Top Gear, Clarkson and co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May launched The Grand Tour on Amazon Studios. The show continued to feature Tesla vehicles and maintain a critical stance on electric cars. However, Clarkson's image softened with the release of his show Clarkson's Farm, which showcased his love for farming and the challenges he faced in running a farm. The show garnered a new fan base and a more sympathetic public image, but he still prefers internal combustion.

Reconciliation?

In a surprising twist, Elon Musk appeared on Top Gear in 2020, discussing Tesla's progress and the future of electric vehicles with the show's presenters. Though Clarkson was not involved in the episode, the appearance marked a notable moment in the rivalry's history.

The ongoing feud between Elon Musk and Jeremy Clarkson is a fascinating chapter in the automotive world. As electric vehicles become increasingly popular, the rivalry between these two influential figures serves as a reminder of the broader debate surrounding the future of transportation. With the latest development involving Twitter, it's clear that their rivalry continues to evolve and shows no signs of slowing down. Fans of both individuals can only wait and see what the next chapter holds for this electrifying tale.

Tesla Adds New 'Manual' App in Software Update 2023.6

By Kevin Armstrong
Tesla added a new 'Manual' app that contains tips and answers popular questions
Tesla added a new 'Manual' app that contains tips and answers popular questions
Ultimate_Bulter/Reddit (Edited by Not a Tesla App)

The Tesla community is always exploring their vehicle, and lucky for us, they share what they find. For example, a recent discovery by a Reddit user Ultimate_Bulter has revealed an undocumented update in Tesla's latest software version, 2023.6.8. The user found a hidden icon labeled 'Manual' in the vehicle's infotainment center, leading to Tesla tips and the Tesla User Manual App, which was added in the 2023.6 update.

This app does more than merely open the in-car manual; it offers an interactive guide for common questions for Tesla owners.

Two Sections

The Tesla Manual App is divided into two sections: "Get to Know Your Tesla" and "Owner's Manual." The former is an interactive guide designed to help Tesla owners become more familiar with their vehicle's features, while the latter contains detailed information on every aspect of the car.

Get to Know Your Tesla

"Get to Know Your Tesla" contains popular topics related to the vehicle's features, functionality, and maintenance. This section is designed to be an interactive and user-friendly way for new and existing Tesla owners to familiarize themselves with their car's features. It includes buttons that, when pressed, can perform actions such as opening the glovebox or activating the windshield wipers. This innovative approach helps users quickly understand and navigate their vehicle's numerous features.

Owner's Manual

The "Owner's Manual" section of the app offers a comprehensive guide to every aspect of the car. This portion of the app includes in-depth information on everything from vehicle maintenance to troubleshooting and beyond. Tesla owners can access this section to find answers to their questions and better understand their car's various systems and components. The vehicle's user manual was already available in the car through Controls > Service > Owner's Manual, but linking to it through this new app makes it more discoverable.

Undocumented Update

Tesla added a new 'Manual' app that contains tips and answers popular questions
Tesla added a new 'Manual' app that contains tips and answers popular questions
Ultimate_Bulter/Reddit (Edited by Not a Tesla App)

The Tesla User Manual App's inclusion in the 2023.6.8 update appears to have gone undocumented, as it was not listed in the official release notes. This has led to speculation that the app was meant to be a surprise or "Easter egg" feature for Tesla owners to discover. The Reddit user's discovery has since been met with excitement and appreciation from the Tesla community, who have praised the app for its interactive and user-friendly design.

The Tesla User Manual App offers a fresh and innovative approach to vehicle user guides, taking advantage of the car's advanced infotainment system. This app's interactive nature allows Tesla owners to familiarize themselves with their vehicle's features and troubleshoot issues more efficiently.

As more users uncover this hidden gem within their Tesla, it is expected Tesla will continue to add tips to the manual app. This discovery highlights Tesla's commitment to providing a unique and cutting-edge experience for its customers, even in the most unexpected places.

Recently Tesla updated it's owner's manual with updated recommendations on the weight limits for items in the frunk and trunk. The new limits apply to all vehicles and went up in most cases.

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