Elon Musk: The Modern-Day Henry Ford

The Automotive Revolutionaries

Elon Musk and Henry Ford are two iconic figures who have left an indelible mark on the automotive industry. Both of them have revolutionized the way we think about transportation and have been known to stoke controversy along the way.

A century after Henry Ford transformed the industry with the introduction of the assembly line, Elon Musk is reshaping it once again with his electric cars. Musk, much like Ford, is a figure of his generation, shaking up the industry and pushing the boundaries of innovation.

While Ford didn't invent the car, he made it accessible to the masses through his innovative production methods. Similarly, Musk didn't invent electric vehicles, but he popularized them and made them cool.

Agents of Change

Musk and Ford both used their industrial might to control vehicle pricing and bring about a new generation of vehicle owners. Ford's use of the conveyor belt and price slashing for the Model T revolutionized the industry in 1913. Musk, following in Ford's footsteps, engaged in an EV price war to make electric vehicles more affordable and increase their adoption.

Even the current CEO of Ford, Jim Farley, has acknowledged the similarities between Musk and Ford. Farley pointed out that Musk's tactics mirror those employed by Ford over a century ago. Musk himself has expressed admiration for Ford, recognizing him as a "next-level genius."

The Downside of Genius

Despite their success, both Ford and Musk have faced criticism for their controversial views and behaviors. As their fame grew, they became more outspoken and shared ideas that were not universally adored.

Ford, for instance, espoused anti-Semitic and racist views, using his own newspaper to spread his opinions. As a result, Ford's company fell behind competitors like General Motors in the 1920s. Similarly, Musk's increasing celebrity status has made him less willing to accept criticism. He often courted controversy and used platforms like Twitter to express his views, including hate speech and conspiracy theories.

These actions have led some to question Musk's legacy and worry that he may repeat Ford's mistakes. Musk's acquisition of X (formerly Twitter) and his involvement in spreading hate speech have caused concern among Tesla investors and supporters.

The Changing Image of Tesla

Tesla's early adopters were drawn to the company for its commitment to the environment and its electric vehicles. However, over time, the perception of both Musk and the brand has shifted. The so-called "Tesla Bros" have become associated with far-right ideologies and conspiracy theories, mirroring Musk's own controversial persona.

This shift in perception has led some early Tesla adopters to distance themselves from Musk and the brand. Some have even taken to denouncing Musk with bumper stickers on their EVs or selling their Teslas altogether.

Despite these challenges, Musk has a knack for bouncing back and regaining the support of buyers and investors, much like Henry Ford did in his time. Standing back and looking at the industry as a whole, it's undeniable that Tesla and Musk have achieved remarkable feats.

Elon Musk and Henry Ford are two visionary leaders who have left an undeniable impact on the automotive industry. They have reshaped the way we think about transportation, pushed the boundaries of innovation, and sparked controversy along the way. While both men have faced criticism for their controversial views and behaviors, their contributions to the industry cannot be denied. Musk and Ford will forever be remembered as revolutionaries who changed the face of the automotive world.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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By: nnaughton@insider.com (Nora Naughton,Grace Kay)
Title: Elon Musk: The Modern-Day Henry Ford
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-henry-ford-21st-century-for-better-or-worse-2023-12
Published Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2023 11:20:01 +0000