"technology doesn't advance as a function of time but as a function of R&D investment"
Car companies are not in the business of advancing technology but making money. They will advance technology if they can sell more cars. Now with Tesla they have to respond and are slowly doing so.
Musk's motivation is technology for technology's sake. That's a totally different motivation than traditional car companies and that's the reason why Tesla is ahead in technology. It remains to be seen who ends up ahead in terms of business success.
Car companies are not in the business of advancing technology but making money. They will advance technology if they can sell more cars. Now with Tesla they have to respond and are slowly doing so.
Musk's motivation is technology for technology's sake. That's a totally different motivation than traditional car companies and that's the reason why Tesla is ahead in technology. It remains to be seen who ends up ahead in terms of business success.