In a surprising revelation that highlights even billionaires face consumer struggles, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has shared his seven-and-a-half-year ordeal trying to purchase a Tesla vehicle after paying a whopping $50,000 deposit.
The Beginning of a Long Wait
Back in 2016, when Altman was still the president of Y Combinator, he decided to purchase a Tesla and made a substantial $50,000 deposit. What seemed like a routine luxury car purchase turned into what he describes as "the most extreme example" of a company failing to deliver on its promises.
"7.5 years has felt like a long time," Altman remarked during a recent interview, reflecting on the extensive waiting period that ultimately yielded no results.
Empty Promises and Frustrating Communications
The situation became particularly ironic given Altman's professional relationship with Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Both were co-chairs of OpenAI until Musk's departure from the board in 2018. Despite this connection, Altman's Tesla purchase continued to stall.
According to Altman, the communication from Tesla was consistently optimistic but ultimately empty. "They kept saying it's coming, it's coming," he recalled, noting that the repeated assurances never materialized into an actual vehicle delivery.
The Final Outcome
After nearly eight years of waiting, Altman finally decided to cut his losses. He managed to get his $50,000 deposit refunded, but the experience left a lasting impression about Tesla's customer service and delivery capabilities.
This revelation comes at a time when Tesla continues to face scrutiny over its production timelines and customer delivery experiences. While the company has revolutionized the electric vehicle industry, stories like Altman's highlight ongoing challenges in scaling operations while maintaining customer satisfaction.
Broader Implications
Altman's experience serves as a reminder that even high-profile customers and business associates aren't immune to corporate operational issues. The fact that someone of Altman's stature faced such difficulties suggests broader systemic challenges within Tesla's sales and delivery processes.
As Altman continues to lead OpenAI through the artificial intelligence revolution, his Tesla saga stands as a personal testament to the gap between corporate promises and customer reality in the modern tech landscape.
