“Tesla is now facing the same dilemma as the other major auto companies: mass-producing cars is a brutal business. The capital cost of factories and materials is astronomical. Margins are often thin to non-existent on many models, even for storied brands like Ford, which recently retired its entire lineup of sedans except the premium Mustang to focus on lucrative trucks and SUVs.” Tesla makes cars, but Tesla stories feel more like a roller coaster. Quartz: Tesla lays off 7% of its employees as it faces the grim reality of mass-producing cars.