Tesla’s Innovation Secret: Why Real Product Reviews Beat Mockups
Tesla’s former exec reveals how real product reviews — not mockups — helped the EV giant outpace rivals.
Matilda
Tesla’s Innovation Secret: Why Real Product Reviews Beat Mockups Tesla’s Innovation Strategy: Reviewing Real Products Over Mockups How did Tesla become the world’s most admired electric vehicle company? According to a former Tesla executive, the answer lies in one overlooked yet powerful strategy: reviewing real products, not mockups. This philosophy, championed by Elon Musk and inspired by a conversation with Steve Jobs, continues to drive innovation across the EV landscape. For companies looking to match Tesla’s rapid innovation cycles, understanding this approach is essential. Image : Google GM’s recent surge in electric vehicle offerings — now boasting 17 fully electrified models — has positioned it right behind Tesla in U.S. EV sales. This transformation wasn't accidental. It was partly guided by Jon McNeil, a Tesla veteran and current GM board member. During his tenure as president of Tesla, McNeil witnessed firsthand how Elon Musk led product development with ruthless focus and a firm belief in hands-on evaluation. Weekly meetings at Tesla…