Tesla has been developing cars for 14 years and they have yet to make a profit. Musk has stated numerous times that the vision of he company is sustainable transport.
I realize I've probably chugged the kool-aid at this point but I can't fathom why Musk would work so hard towards this goal and not be thinking about the big picture.
Pretty sure those investors are counting on a pay day. One that comes only if Tesla hits its 500k production goal by the end of next year. Tesla has already worn out its welcome with investors, hence selling magic beans in order to raise $370M via Model 3 preorder deposits. It's do or die for them now. GM is catching up, even beat Tesla to the Everyman's car, and has capital to burn.
Personally, I'm rooting for them. But they only get to play altruist if they make it pay for the investors.
Isn't this essentially the same line used by startups to lowball recent grads? It seems to me this board would know better.