Tesla Model 3 – cancer patient given early delivery

Tesla Model 3 – cancer patient given early delivery

If you’re waiting to take delivery of a Tesla Model 3, you could well be in for a long wait despite Tesla’s ramping up of production efforts, which is an inconvenience at best. At worst, it could be a ticking clock for Stage Four cancer, which is what one Tesla fan was facing.

He made his enthusiasm known on a Tesla Motors Club (TMC) forum of which he is a member. “Well, I’d love to see November deliveries! I have terminal Stage Four cancer and have been told I may only three to four months to live. The last thing on my bucket list is our Model 3 and I’d like to have a few days to experience and enjoy it. I wonder if there is any flexibility in the queue?”, he wrote.

This was picked up by another forum member, Bonnie Norman who reached out to him, for him to at least try the Model 3 if his new car’s delivery couldn’t be expedited sufficiently.

This test drive for the cancer-stricken man indeed took place, and Norman contacted Tesla for a possibility for him to take delivery of his Model 3 sooner. The next day, November 26, Tesla sent him an invitation. Delivery took place yesterday at Tesla’s Fremont delivery centre, and the cancer patient received VIP treatment complete with a private factory tour, led by Tesla president of sales and services Jon McNeil.

The Tesla Model 3 is the most compact model in the brand’s range, starting from US$35,000 in its native United States for a base model with 354 km of range and capable of 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 209 km/h. A further US$9,000 brings range to 499 km, with its 0-100 km/h time improved to 5.1 seconds and top speed pushed to 225 km/h.

GALLERY: Tesla Model 3

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Mick Chan

Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

 

Comments

  • Sometimes the little things you do that matter most to customers.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 0
  • Ben Yap on Dec 14, 2017 at 7:53 pm

    Anyone can say they got cancer and dying soon to get the car early. Most likely he just want to cut queue and gave a false excuse. Worst of all gave him preferential treatment.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 20
    • John Lennon on Dec 15, 2017 at 12:05 am

      Why so dengki bro? Lets all think positive and live happily.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Biasalah, PR stunt. There’s always more to the story.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
      • Bonnie Norman on Dec 17, 2017 at 12:37 pm

        Ben Yap, Epul – no, I wish it were just some stunt. Tesla has not publicized this at all. They didn’t have a photographer there – the photos were taken with my iPhone and published with the permission of the new Model 3 owner.

        I’m really sorry to say that the gentleman in question does indeed have an untreatable form of cancer. He’s a retired engineer, bit of a car enthusiast – and we were all happy to pitch in to make this happen.

        Sometimes things are what they seem. Companies are made up of people and most of them are good people. Not everything in life is about jumping a queue or finding a way for free publicity.

        Peace.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Don Rexer on Dec 14, 2017 at 9:05 pm

    Tesla is struggling hard to get these cars out to thousands and thousands of customers waiting for them. They rarely make an exception to the order of delivery.
    This is a pretty good exception to prove the rule

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • 12yrsold on Dec 15, 2017 at 3:59 pm

    Gosh !! Now I know a terminal Stage 4 cancer means U have only 3/4 months to live. Lets hope that chap live longer to enjoy the days he still has. This is not a laughing matter guys.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Yup, more debt before died is a good thing.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
 

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