As car companies maneuver to be the next big thing, especially in the much-hyped but still small electric and autonomous markets, Ford has revealed that it paid more than twice the sticker price to get a look at the Tesla Model X SUV.
According to Bloomberg, Ford Motor Co. shelled out $199,950 for a Model X, sales of which usually start at $132,000. Analysts said that Ford is probably hoping to learn from the vehicle about Tesla’s electrification techniques as well as the engineering of the lightweight body. Tesla’s first sport-utility vehicle is notable for its efficiency, as well as for its sensor-equipped gull-wing doors and, more recently, faulty third-row seats.
The particular vehicle Ford purchased was the 64th Model X to come off of Tesla’s assembly line in Fremont, Calif. Bloomberg says that it was recently noticed in Detroit, where Ford is headquartered. The original owner didn’t actually pay full price for their Model X: Wayne Skiles, a jeweler, also owns a Model S and participated in Tesla’s referral program. In that deal, people who referred 10 friends to buy a Model S received a Model X for $116,700.
Also as part of that program, the Model X in question is part of the Founders Series, a limited run for the first cars produced. Skiles never actually took possession of the car, instead selling it to a dealership as soon as he received it.
Ford will now start the “teardown” process, taking the car apart piece by piece to learn about its competitor’s work. The high price they paid will need to be made up with valuable information – even for a limited edition scoop on a competitor, $199,950 is high.
