Maybe not a full-scale brand like Toyota or Honda but a “boutique” sports car manufacturer such as Pagani, TVR, Rimac, etc. Some processes can probably be performed by hand (assembly, welding, painting, etc.) and not need expensive ABB, Fanuc, Dürr, Samsung, Kuka, etc. robots. Also: things like engine, transmission, differential, brakes, steering/suspension, airbags, sensors, lights/reflectors such as Hella 4169 etc. can probably be purchased instead of manufacturing yourself.

Expenses I can think of:

  • Establishing the actual corporation, LLC, etc
  • Buying/renting a large warehouse
  • Sheet metal stamp/press for body parts
  • Metal forge for suspension components
  • Mold for polypropylene bumpers
  • Mold for ABS parts (mirror caps, handles, etc)
  • Machine to create all the glass
  • Fiberglass station
  • Welding equipment
  • Paint line, paint booth and oven/curing
  • Interior/upholstery department
  • Storage aka parts department
  • Lifts/dollies/conveyor belts for assembly line
  • Crash testing 7 or more cars to legalize them
  • Getting the cars federalized/legalized/homologated
  • Getting the factory certified, similar as above
  • Payroll for managers, marketing, laborers, janitors, maintenance, etc.
  • Insurance and lawyers
  • Upfront capital for purchasing raw materials

Obviously the starting price would be several million dollars even in a country like Vietnam, India or Mexico - but does anybody have a more specific answer? Can it be done for under $10m? Under $50m? Under $100m? Under $250m?

It would probably be low volume production due the cost effective nature, but the number still interests me.

  • Time_Pool8425@alien.topB
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    11 months ago

    Honestly? I don’t think a billion would be enough. If you want to compete with the top 30-50 worldwide manufacturers, you’re going to need so many lawyers, accountants and paper pushers, your head would spin.