Why Falcon Wing Doors May Be More Than a Noveltiy

When it comes to automotive design, the Falcon Wing doors have garnered significant attention and praise for their unique and futuristic appearance. However, many are left wondering why other automakers haven't adopted this concept. This article explores the reasons behind this widespread adoption or lack thereof, and whether or not Falcon Wing doors could become a staple in the automotive industry.

The History and Significance of Gull Wing Doors

Falcon Wing doors are often associated with Tesla and its wide-ranging use in the Model X and other models. But they are not a groundbreaking concept, as their predecessors, the Gull Wing doors, have been around for decades.

These doors were popularized by cars like the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gull Wing from the 1950s and have appeared in various iterations throughout automotive history. However, the widespread adoption of Falcon Wing doors has been slow, and many car manufacturers continue to favor more conventional designs.

The Commercial and Technical Considerations

The choice to adopt Falcon Wing doors is not just a matter of aesthetics but also a significant commercial and technical decision. Let's explore why some car manufacturers might not be adopting this feature.

Bulletproofing Against Market Rejection

Market Demand for Non-Innovative Models: Many car buyers prefer vehicles with no technical or production difficulties. They want a vehicle that works reliably without the need for frequent trips to dealerships for alignments or other issues. Technical Challenges: Falcon Wing doors present significant production challenges. For instance, the lateral movement and alignment issues can be costly and time-consuming to resolve. Profitability Concerns: In industries that are highly competitive, automakers must ensure that their products can find a market. Falcon Wing doors, while unique, might reduce profitability if not embraced by the broader market.

The Case of BMW

Imagine you are BMW, known for producing highly successful and profitable models like the X6. Does it make sense to spend a large amount of capital to develop Falcon Wing doors, which are costly to engineer and manufacture, when the market might not be ready to pay extra for such a feature?

In this scenario, the existing conventional doors would work perfectly fine. Moreover, introducing Gull Wing doors could dent your profitability because your competitors wouldn't have them and would thus maintain a lower cost base than you.

The Unique Position of Tesla

Now consider Tesla, known for its innovative and cutting-edge designs. The Model X with its Falcon Wing doors could be seen as a natural extension of Tesla's mission to innovate and push boundaries. Tesla could invest heavily in the engineering and production challenges of Falcon Wing doors because the market expects and values such innovation.

The Commercial Dilemma

Additional Revenue and Profitability: Even if Tesla expects to charge more for the Model X due to the Falcon Wing doors, the decision hinges on whether the extra cost can be recovered and whether the sales volumes are high enough to justify it. Customers might question why they should pay extra for a feature that is not universally accepted. Market Readiness: Even if an automaker can get customers to accept the higher price, there's the issue of market readiness. If customers are not willing to pay extra for this feature, the extra cost might outweigh the benefits.

The Dilemma of Innovation in the Automotive Industry

Automakers face a dilemma: they must innovate to maintain their edge in the market, but innovation should always align with customer needs and market demand. It is easier to innovate when there is a clear value proposition, and sometimes, what is initially a selling point can fade away over time.

The Case of the Third Row Seats in the Model S

When the Model S was first launched, the ability to accommodate 7 people was considered a significant selling point. However, this feature had a significant impact on the engineering of the car, forcing designers and engineers to design the back shape of the car in a specific way. Today, this feature has almost disappeared from the product narrative and company PR, as it is now a minor selling point.

Conclusion

Will other automakers adopt the Falcon Wing door concept in the future? It is difficult to predict. While Falcon Wing doors may be a novel and unique feature, their adoption depends on the commercial viability and market readiness. However, as Tesla continues to innovate and push boundaries, the Falcon Wing door might become a more common sight in the automotive industry.