Over last weekend, Volvo moved to its new facility in far north OKC just south of Edmond.

It is located next to the new Mercedes dealership which moved out there about a year ago. The first tenant in that renovated building, Hogan Taylor, recently moved in.

There are no announced plans for the old Volvo building.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/volvo2.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/volvo3.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/volvo4.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/volvo1.jpg

do we know if it's an old building with a modern facade or a modern building?

I don't recall what was there before but that building is relatively new.

do we know if it's an old building with a modern facade or a modern building?

It was purpose built in the early to mid 1990s. Benchmark Motors had added Jaguar and Volvo to it's Mercedes-Benz building around 1990, when they bought Fretwell's. After a few years absorbing the operation and getting approvals, they razed the Used Cars sales office and built this building to house all sales, parts and service operations for the two car lines.

I recall the block was all surface parking for Used Cars, and the only structure was the office, which was maybe 1500SF.

Good to know, thanks. Sometimes it's hard to tell if there's a beautiful building under a modern facade...

Tesla just filed a building permit for a service center at this site.

Tesla just filed a building permit for a service center at this site.

Great news! Any idea as to number of jobs or employee pay averages?

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tesla082720a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tesla082720b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tesla082720c.jpg

Tesla just filed a building permit for a service center at this site.

I thought Teslas never broke ;-)

Great news! Any idea as to number of jobs or employee pay averages?

It is a glorified mechanic shop, I believe. But, with it being Tesla, I would guess the pay will be slightly higher than Joe's Mechanic, or something like that.

I presumed there'd be superchargers on site, but not seeing it in the drawings, unless I'm missing it.

I presumed there'd be superchargers on site, but not seeing it in the drawings, unless I'm missing it.

They weren't included in the plans that were filed but I'm sure they will be installed.

It is a glorified mechanic shop, I believe. But, with it being Tesla, I would guess the pay will be slightly higher than Joe's Mechanic, or something like that.

I would imagine on par with mechanics at dealerships.

Ya you can't really buy third parts and install on Tesla so you have to go to the service center. The Plano service apparently is pretty awful. Lots of people like the KC store.

i like it and the fact that there's so much 'retail' space available to add a store once Oklahoma decides to join the 21st Century and allow these type of transactions. I envision this becoming the Tesla hub for Oklahoma; sales, service, superchargers, parts, detail -all things/matters Tesla- much like it had been the Volvo hub (or the former Mercedes hub that was across the street).

Honestly, IMO we need a few of these auto showroom/service in AAlley so it's not just completely gentrified but still has some 'working pieces' to its history. I'd love Mercedes to return to AAlley in a much smaller, fully urban facility and maybe showrooms for a couple other high end brands (Koenigsegg Oklahoma City anyone?).

This spot could easily turn into a Tesla sales facility if/when the Oklahoma laws change to allow it.

Work has started:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tesla091320a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tesla091320b.jpg

will be nice to see that Tesla logo replace the Volvo sign.

But I am sad that premium brands have left downtown. Too bad, perhaps they will return. I vote for a Koenigsegg (https://www.koenigsegg.com/car/jesko/) outlet!

will be nice to see that Tesla logo replace the Volvo sign.

But I am sad that premium brands have left downtown. Too bad, perhaps they will return. I vote for a Koenigsegg (https://www.koenigsegg.com/car/jesko/) outlet!

Outlet, nice touch. I'd settle for the original.

i meant location or storefront not necessarily an "outlet" store Koenigsegg. lol.

but shoot, even an "outlet store" of Koenigsegg in downtown would be awesome!!

i meant location or storefront not necessarily an "outlet" store Koenigsegg. lol.

but shoot, even an "outlet store" of Koenigsegg in downtown would be awesome!!

Oh for sure. I also didn't mean that I'd settle for a koenigsegg. I meant I'd go for their first model, non ccx, non agera, etc.

Very few cities have Koenigsegg dealers and LA just got their stand alone with Pagani as many of their super car dealers have been moving locations in the recent years. Aston Martin, Lamborghini, and Bentley all moved to new locations. I think Dallas just got their standalone Bugatti dealership a few years ago.

I had heard a Ferrari dealer was coming to Edmond soon but that was five years ago and I’m still crossing my fingers. Fiat, FFC, has closed their dealership in Edmond and their only standalone store is now in Tulsa with sales for OKC being listed at the Paul’s Valley Jeep-Chrysler-Dodge store.

Oklahoma Exotics has some very nice cars including a GT Lusso listed at 825k. It’s always fun to check out their inventory.

But Christian Koenigsegg is engineering some insane cars that almost exceed formula one tech for public use. It’s just unreal what he’s accomplished. I read an article about he has squeezed almost 600 horses out of 2 liter 3 cylinder engine with no cams. Or it’s something close to that. F@cking nuts to me.

The building has been painted a light gray while they continue to work on the interior:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/volvo102520a.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tesla111420a.jpg

For anyone that hasn’t driven a Tesla yet, I highly recommend test driving a model 3 here when they open. It will blow your mind, this car. I am likely going to buy one to use for driving around the city when I’m in town. Awesome piece of technology.

I’m trying to talk my grandparents into getting model s or an x.

I gotta remind that this will be a service center only. Oklahoma state law prevents Tesla from selling new cars directly to the public. An “independent dealer” must resell to the public under current law, as I understand it.

I will admit I have no knowledge if you will, or will not, be allowed to test drive new cars at the Service Center. Sounds like a great idea.

For some reason I thought there was going to be a show room where you could look and they would have cars to test drive. You could then order one which would be delivered. Perhaps I’m mistaken though.

For anyone that hasn’t driven a Tesla yet, I highly recommend test driving a model 3 here when they open. It will blow your mind, this car

Been driving a model 3 since 2018, can confirm. Model Y likely even better in some ways.

Been driving a model 3 since 2018, can confirm. Model Y likely even better in some ways.
Have you driven the Model Y? I’m curious about it. I can’t wait to see Cybertrucks in the wild. That’s going to be a crazy sight. I already know three people in Edmond who have reserved one but obviously doesn’t guarantee they end up buying it.

Have you driven the Model Y? IÂ’m curious about it. I canÂ’t wait to see Cybertrucks in the wild. ThatÂ’s going to be a crazy sight. I already know three people in Edmond who have reserved one but obviously doesnÂ’t guarantee they end up buying it.

Have not driven the model Y yet. Sits up a little higher than the 3, so I understand it isn't quite as nimble, but it does have the panoramic glass roof and single-piece rear body casting, which is a big manufacturing leap.

The Cybertruck is obviously pretty wild looking. Not sure how that will go over. The functionality is pretty intriguing: No paint to scratch, basically ding-proof panels, armored glass, 0-60 in <3 seconds, tri-motor AWD (The AWD in these vehicles is really good), 500+ miles of range, doubles as a generator, for $70k. That's the top trim (Standard dual-motor is $50k). In terms of drivability, ruggedness & technology for the price, it will be tough to beat. But will people want to be seen driving one?

What's the ETA on when they're actually going to start making the Cybertrucks? I'm interested to see if the final look is as jarring as the initial reveal.

How can you buy a Tesla in OK?

How can you buy a Tesla in OK?

Either used or Dallas, is my understanding.

Either used or Dallas, is my understanding.

Thanks, how do I buy one in Dallas?

What's the ETA on when they're actually going to start making the Cybertrucks? I'm interested to see if the final look is as jarring as the initial reveal.
Current estimates are production beginning next year for the dual motor and 2022 for the tri motor design last I checked. Not sure if that has changed. I’d suspect we could see some on the road in late 2021/early 2022.

How can you buy a Tesla in OK?

You order it online & pick it up at the service center or have it delivered

You order it online & pick it up at the service center or have it delivered

Thanks!

Current estimates are production beginning next year for the dual motor and 2022 for the tri motor design last I checked. Not sure if that has changed. I’d suspect we could see some on the road in late 2021/early 2022.

Thanks

I gotta remind that this will be a service center only. Oklahoma state law prevents Tesla from selling new cars directly to the public. An “independent dealer” must resell to the public under current law, as I understand it.

I will admit I have no knowledge if you will, or will not, be allowed to test drive new cars at the Service Center. Sounds like a great idea.

What kind of stupid law is this? Might as well do it on all models on new cars :rolleyes:

Signage is up:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tesla123020a.jpg

Wow...that sure makes those street lights look really dated!

That must be the tamer version of the cybertruck

:Smiley077

Wow...that sure makes those street lights look really dated!

Would look much sleeker without those power lines. Someone needs to get out there and bury those.

Would look much sleeker without those power lines. Someone needs to get out there and bury those.

you'd think at least in/near downtown. ....

What's kind of funny about this tangent this thread is taking about power lines is, I swear, some of the same posters who argued the streetcar power lines were cool and added urban "grit" to the city to make is seem more like a city, now want power lines buried because of how they look. LOL.

Along those same lines is the argument that this is an electric car service center, so we should be able to see electric lines.

Also, I would think Elon has seen the site, or images thereof, and approved it in it's current form. IIRC, Project 180 was was almost derailed by the cost and time delays of burying and reworking utility lines in the central city.

rover, there's a difference between streetcar/tram wires and power/utility lines. IMO, utility lines are messy and multi-level; lines for power, lines for phone, lines for cable/broadband, so forth - and the poles are often random, with transformers and other entities that just look cluttered. Tram CAT lines on the other hand, are orderly, in the street (as opposed to the side/sidewalk), use shorter poles that often have some design element to them, that are consistent. Also with our system we dont even have CAT wires everywhere since the trains run on battery.

BIG difference in my opinion, go take a look at a street with lots of powerlines randomly down the road vs. N Broadway with the CAT wires (if you can exclude the power lines in your mind). BIG difference.

Even the pic of Tesla above shows a difference in the two. ..

- duplicate -

What's kind of funny about this tangent this thread is taking about power lines is, I swear, some of the same posters who argued the streetcar power lines were cool and added urban "grit" to the city to make is seem more like a city, now want power lines buried because of how they look. LOL.

Not me. I think the overhead cantilever and wires are ugly as sh!t. The streetcar was one of dumbest investments this city has ever made. I have that same beef with the with the images I see of the new LAX-Inglewood LRT(Crenshaw line) route. I'm sure many feel the same with freeways. But alas, the overhead wires need to be buried but I am sure Dob will quickly respond to say why it can't be done for the 1000th time.

Not me. I think the overhead cantilever and wires are ugly as sh!t. The streetcar was one of dumbest investments this city has ever made. I have that same beef with the with the images I see of the new LAX-Inglewood LRT(Crenshaw line) route. I'm sure many feel the same with freeways. But alas, the overhead wires need to be buried but I am sure Dob will quickly respond to say why it can't be done for the 1000th time.

I recall Larry Nichols agrees with you regarding the streetcar lines. Again, as I recall, he hated the overhead lines in front of his building and made the city find the battery hybrid set up. Which is why there are overhead streetcar wires around the Devon tower.

I think Elon Musk would be uncomfortable getting electric lines buried near his service facility before the rest of the area gets theirs done. That is a bad business look.

I have zero issue with burying electric lines. I think it is a great idea and I can afford it myself. I just want everyone to understand how much it will cost them as ratepayers.

Tesla may have more in store for OKC...

Let's not forget Tulsa; they wanted Tesla, they would be happy with anything Tesla would build in T-town.

As for the power wires and over head lines, they aren't attractive.

The streetcar needs to be a free ride until the ridership is built up; then you can go back to a modest fee. The only venue that's eating OKC's lunch and brunch is the Riversport Rapids facility.

rover, there's a difference between streetcar/tram wires and power/utility lines. IMO, utility lines are messy and multi-level; lines for power, lines for phone, lines for cable/broadband, so forth - and the poles are often random, with transformers and other entities that just look cluttered. Tram CAT lines on the other hand, are orderly, in the street (as opposed to the side/sidewalk), use shorter poles that often have some design element to them, that are consistent. Also with our system we dont even have CAT wires everywhere since the trains run on battery.

BIG difference in my opinion, go take a look at a street with lots of powerlines randomly down the road vs. N Broadway with the CAT wires (if you can exclude the power lines in your mind). BIG difference.

Even the pic of Tesla above shows a difference in the two. ..
I see. The new neat designed streetcar wires create the cool gritty urban atmosphere, but the actual wires that would be in a gritty urban area aren’t gritty and cool. Glad to know the difference.

Not me. I think the overhead cantilever and wires are ugly as sh!t. The streetcar was one of dumbest investments this city has ever made. I have that same beef with the with the images I see of the new LAX-Inglewood LRT(Crenshaw line) route. I'm sure many feel the same with freeways. But alas, the overhead wires need to be buried but I am sure Dob will quickly respond to say why it can't be done for the 1000th time.
Yeah, You better respond again to catch up with Dob. I think you are only at 998. Lol

Yeah, You better respond again to catch up with Dob. I think you are only at 998. Lol
That’s all? Haha I’ve been slacking lately then

We have been talking about the future of alternative fuel vehicles vs. internal combustion...

I was listening to a podcast with the CEO of GM and it mentioned their market cap vs. Tesla; and so I looked it up:

Tesla: $783 billion
GM; $72 billion
Ford: $39 billion

What's worse is that both GM and Ford rely almost exclusively on gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs.

I love cars more than anyone but every single carmaker (including GM and Ford) are making a huge push into EV's. And they are well behind VW/Porsche/Audi, Toyota and pretty much ever other carmaker not based in the U.S.

There has been a pivot point where most auto makers are putting almost all their future bets on EV's, even though they currently account for only 2% of all auto sales.

The switch to EV's will be much faster than almost everywhere other than here, as very few other countries have oil and gas as a major industry.

This all reminds me of how American manufactures were incredibly slow to adapt when the Japanese started making great cars, and by the time all the protectionist tariffs and limits were mostly dropped. the U.S. companies were pummeled, and their slide has not stopped since.

I'm not ready to jump on the EV bandwagon quite yet, but adoption is getting ready to explode in Europe and elsewhere and of course, we'll be left here defending dying industries (including the ridiculous state laws around car dealerships) before eventually caving in.

You’re also leaving out the insane government policies around the world forcing automakers to switch. Entire world stock of EVs is about 1% compared to other fuel sources. I am buying a Tesla model 3 next month. I am not an EV hater. I am only concerned how ignorant many are when it comes to the impact of EVs and them being so much better than ICE cars. Search of lithium and cobalt mines. The energy grid is already in need of trillions in upgrades just for the US alone— I’m not sure about other countries. Energy storage not just for batteries attached to cars but for homes is going to be needed as using coal and natural gas plants kind of defeats the purpose so if we are to switch to renewables for production, the operate at their lowest output at night when most people are likely to be charging them.

I’m wondering what effects that will have on the grid. Correct me if I’m wrong, but most major repairs to the grid for maintenance happen at night due to the low energy consumption allowing for diversions to shut off parts of the grid or lines that can be worked on.

Again, I’m not trying to say EVs aren’t good or that these problems can’t be overcome. Placing EVs stations around the country should be pretty easy. What happens to the grid and energy production when EVs begin to take up double digit market shares. I’m guessing Biden/Harris has a plan for that. It will be important to address that problem. Maybe someone who knows more about energy production and how the grid works can elaborate.

PS, when the Tesla center opens up, take a test drive if you haven’t. It will blow your mind.

Will the OKC location offer test drives and vehicle deliveries? I'm very interested in the model Y for my wife but have never even sat or ridden in a Tesla. I've read quality is hit or miss and I don't want to travel to take delivery.

Will the OKC location offer test drives and vehicle deliveries? I'm very interested in the model Y for my wife but have never even sat or ridden in a Tesla. I've read quality is hit or miss and I don't want to travel to take delivery.

I was wondering the same thing. And for that matter, whether they offer delivery in Tulsa already. I am fairly certain they offer test drives up there.