R.J. gets pushed into antagonistic comments by the media all the time, too; he just doesn't take the bait. When the Cybertruck was released, many media personalities tried to get him to say the R1 was superior, but instead, he said something about there being room in the market for everyone and how new entries in the marketplace help everyone to be better. This is a classy response, unlike what was done in Peter's example. Like it or not, Peter's comment is exactly what Elon would make when talking about his competition.
Also, I don't think Lucid has a leg up over Rivian when it comes to innovation in packaging and software-controlled vehicles. They use different tech, for sure, but to discount a vehicle that can drive to the trail in sport mode, then lift to 15" of ground clearance and cross the Rubicon trail in its stock configuration is outrageous. If the Gravity turns out to be what is claimed there will be some advantages over Rivian's R1S, but also drawbacks when compared. Gravity might have better handling and efficiency but both of these things come at the cost of off-road capability. Sure most people, myself included, don't use that capability but to deny those abilities aren't every bit as innovative is to deny reality itself.
It sounds like we both agree for the most part here, where we differ is I cannot excuse these sorts of comments. As an executive myself I disagree with the strategy, and although I'm not the sort of player that Peter or R.J. or Elon are, I still wouldn't speak on the record about my competition that way. It's a bad strategy and as you said, it reveals your own insecurity about your market position. I am possibly interested in the gravity but if Lucid is going to continue down this path my interest will wane and I will cross Gravity off my list. Sure it's only one sale, but when you reach the pot shots at everyone else stage the slope becomes quite slippery and before you know it you're smoking weed on Joe Rogan and buying failing social media platforms.
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