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I think this is a move that will break the focus rule for a startup. Batteries _and_ cars. There is room for only one.

Wright brothers: focus on wings or controls or engines! you only have room for one!

Apple: focus on hardware or software! Macs or iPods. You only have room for one.

Edison: focus on lights or electricity! You only have room for one.

Uber: focus on the driver network or the app! You only have room for one.

It's not a hard and fast rule. The point of focus is to get you to prioritize what important, but something you need to do multiple things.

The problem with all of your examples is they still only sell one thing. Tesla now sells 2 things. That means sales, marketing team, strategy, support, for 2 things. Like, having 2 companies.

Another example, Standard Oil: don't just sell the oil. Refine it, and sell the kerosene, and the lamps, and also sell the gasoline, and when you're left with paraffins invent paraffin candles and sell those too...

Ha! The aboriginal Americans have nothing on Standard Oil. They just used every part of the buffalo. Standard Oil invented uses for every part of the oil.

GM sells more financial instruments than cars.

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