Looking in the rearview mirror for too long and not concentrating on the road ahead is dangerous for drivers. That same logic hold true when considering investing for the long-term, namely because past performance is not indicative of future results. Therefore any potential suitor for Tesla Motors (TSLA 2.20%) should focus on how this still very young company can develop its battery technology.
Recent market rumors have suggested Ford (F 0.54%) or General Motors (GM 5.44%) could look to acquire Tesla, but while there can be a case for both companies to make such a move, the valuation of Tesla's stock close to $19 billion may impede any real internal M&A discussions despite Ford's $26 billion cash hoard and concern for challenging hybrid sales and, in GM's case, a 3% year-over-year decline in sales volume for the Chevy Volt. However, recent headlines regarding fire-related problems for the Model S may have Elon Musk more willing than ever to still get out while the getting is good so he can concentrate on Space X, SolarCity, Hyperloop, or whatever comes next.
With Ford not looking to rely as much on pickups and SUVs and anticipating a major portion of its sales lineup in the next decade will come from EVs, I'm more inclined to think Ford is positioned more strongly to acquire Tesla, especially since GM has a rookie CEO. With that said, I do think a strategic relationship with Tesla over an outright acquisition makes better sense for Ford or GM since EV costs are still high, range is still an issue and total EV sales represent less than half of 1% of auto sales.
Ford's conservative spending after its 2009 restructuring is another reason why a partnership with Tesla could may make better sense from a financial perspective. I also don't think Ford has been planning a George Steinbrenner-like Yankee managerial move by discontinuing Mercury and selling Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo, all in an effort to build cash to acquire Tesla. The wildcard that could make a Tesla acquisition more credible is the willingness to pay the huge price tag as a means to help offset upcoming EPA CAFE standards, which will see mpg go from 27.5 to 37.8 by 2016.
