Article Title: Anheuser-Busch Turns to Tesla for Huge Semi-Truck Order

Author of Article: Chris Morris

Date of article: December 7, 2017

Source URL: http://fortune.com/2017/12/07/anheuser-busch-tesla-semi-trucks/

Anheuser-Busch has placed an order for 40 Tesla semi-trucks.  AB is the second company reported to place such a large order; trucking company J.B. Hunt also placed a pre-order for as many as 40 trucks.

What is unique is that the semi-truck is all electric with a 500 mile range, and offers autonomous driving.  Anheuser-Busch plans to keep the driver in the truck, primarily to unload the beer.

Discussion Questions
1. Why would Anheuser-Busch pre-order the new Tesla semi-truck?

Guidance: You can begin with reducing their carbon footprint.  As the article mentions, they have a goal of reducing their carbon footprint by 30% by 2025.  It also offers many advanced safety features, and promises a 20% reduction in cost over the standard diesel truck.  With the autonomous driving feature, the driver might be eliminated in the future–further reducing costs.

2. Should the driver be eliminated at some point in the future as the autonomous driving technology matures?

Guidance:  At some point, the technology will make the Continue reading →