Tesla and automakers in China have found ease and success in having fewer options. Car buyers like having options — but as the Tesla and Chinese automakers continue to find success in electric vehicles, old-guard automakers would do well to force buyers to compromise. Elon Musk's automaker has pared down the build options it gives customers to fewer color options and interior choices, limited trims, and many features that simply come standard. The lack of build complexity has been an advantage for Tesla, startup EV makers, and Chinese competitors, experts say. "A number of the traditional players have initiatives underway to benchmark the build complexity of their start-up competitors."

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Persons: Elon, Brian Irwin, Alvarez, Irwin, Ford, Jim Farley, Farley, Mary Barra, Barra Organizations: Morning, Tesla, Elon Musk's, GM, Ford, Benz, Subaru Locations: China, Detroit, Germany