Warren Buffett: Why I'd Bet Against Tesla (UNBELIEVABLE)
FREENVESTING
14 min, 15 sec
Warren Buffett discusses the future of transportation, electric vehicles, the longevity of business moats, and his thoughts on Tesla and Elon Musk.
Summary
- Buffett acknowledges the inevitability of alternative energy vehicles but highlights the difficulty in rapid transformation due to existing vehicle lifespans and infrastructure.
- He admires Elon Musk's achievements but is skeptical about Tesla's potential dominance in the car industry and its foray into insurance.
- Buffett emphasizes the importance of business moats but recognizes that innovation can overcome traditional moats, though he doubts the auto companies' success in insurance.
- He comments on the nature of competitive advantages and the challenges of the auto industry, suggesting that Apple should not enter it.
- Buffett touches on the issue of CEOs making impulsive public statements, referring to an incident with Elon Musk's tweet.
Chapter 1
Buffett discusses the difficulty of transforming the automobile industry due to the large number of vehicles already on the road and their average lifespan.
- He acknowledges the potential of alternative energy vehicles but notes the world cannot change dramatically quickly.
- The average age of vehicles and their numbers make rapid change in energy sources unfeasible.
- Buffett predicts that by 2030, electric vehicles might constitute only a third of new vehicles.
Chapter 2
Buffett shares his opinions on Tesla, Elon Musk, and Tesla's venture into car insurance.
- He views Tesla's contributions to the automotive industry as important, but not revolutionary in the short term.
- Buffett has met Elon Musk and respects his accomplishments but would not invest in Tesla.
- He doubts Tesla's advantage in car insurance despite their data collection capabilities.
Chapter 3
Buffett explains the importance of business moats, their vulnerability to innovation, and his skepticism of tech companies entering the auto industry.
- He uses the example of Snickers and Coca-Cola to illustrate strong brand moats.
- Buffett agrees with Musk that innovation is important but sees value in strong traditional moats.
- He advises against tech companies like Apple entering the competitive auto industry.
Chapter 4
Buffett discusses the appropriate response to CEO misstatements and reiterates his negative stance on Bitcoin.
- He suggests quick correction of public misstatements by CEOs, referencing Musk's 'funding secured' tweet.
- Buffett maintains his view that Bitcoin will end badly, labeling it as 'rat poison'.