Automaker’s 13th regional sales and service center will serve Scandinavia

COPENHAGEN, Denmark -- (BUSINESS WIRE) — Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla Motors will open its newest showroom this week in Denmark’s largest city.

Tesla’s 13th worldwide store is at Bredgade 35, in the heart of Copenhagen, recognized internationally as one of the world’s most environmentally friendly places. Copenhagen, which hosted the most recent UN Conference on Climate Change, generates a growing percentage of its grid’s energy from the famous offshore wind farm at Middelgrunden. The city is working to reduce CO2 emissions by 20 percent by 2015.

“People in Denmark believe in social responsibility, and the Tesla Roadster is the only electric vehicle that combines a world-class sports car with their values of environmental stewardship,” said Cristiano Carlutti, Tesla’s Vice President for European Sales and Operations. “We are thrilled that customers in Denmark and throughout Scandinavia have embraced not only the Roadster but the core business philosophy of Tesla Motors.”

The US Ambassador to Denmark, Laurie S. Fulton, will kick off festivities at 2 p.m. July 1. Tesla is hosting a media open house from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., including test drives, executive interviews and surprise guests. An invitation-only VIP gala will follow in the evening, and the store will be open for prospective customers to test-drive the Roadster throughout the weekend.

The zero-emission Roadster does not pay traditional vehicle taxes in Denmark. By contrast, people who buy conventional petroleum-burning cars pay up to 180 percent car tax on top of the manufacturers’ sales price. Tax waivers combined with expensive gasoline prices mean that the Tesla Roadster is a tremendous value relative to comparable cars in Denmark.

Tesla’s founding goal is to produce energy-efficient cars for mass-market, mainstream consumers. Tesla deliberately started with the Roadster, a premium sports car aimed at affluent “thought leaders,” in order to establish a proof of technology and shatter the prevailing stereotype that electric cars are underpowered an unfashionable. Based in California’s Silicon Valley, Tesla has already been delivered more than 1,000 cars in at least 25 countries, and has forged strategic alliances with Daimler and Toyota to produce zero-emission cars.

The Roadster accelerates faster than other sports car in its price class yet has zero tailpipe emissions. It consumes no petroleum and plugs into conventional sockets – at owners’ garages or offices, hotels, parking decks or at a growing number of charging stations throughout Scandinavia. It’s the only sports car that can be fully or partially recharged by renewable energy – and several regional customers charge on 100 percent solar power from their photovoltaic panels or wind power from turbines.

About Tesla

Tesla has already delivered more than 1,000 zero-emission cars in at least 25 countries. With a relentless focus on customer service, Tesla sells cars directly to clients, both online and at four showrooms in Europe: Zurich, Munich, Monaco and London, and in Copenhagen starting July 1. Tesla has eight additional showrooms in North America.

Tesla is offering test drives to local media throughout the event. Tesla is also offering test drives with qualified prospective customers – including those who reserved the Tesla Model S and those eager to “go electric” as soon as possible.

“It’s a huge honor to be part of the summit – proof that the paradigm is shifting to energy efficiency even in the traditional automotive sector,” said Carlutti, formerly a vice president at Fiat before joining Tesla.  

Customers from Toronto to British Columbia took delivery of their Roadsters this week. New owners Vincent and Maggie Argiro rave about their first few days with their Roadster, "It is both a personal and collective statement of optimism for a better future, as well as fun and actually practical transportation."

This weekend Tesla will host a public test drive event in Waterloo, Ontario at Channer’s Waterloo from 10am to 4pm. You can find more information on the event here. Later this year Tesla will open its first Canadian store in downtown Toronto. Tesla Canada will be a sales center as well as a service and parts hub – all under one roof.

Tesla is revolutionizing the customer experience with its house-call approach to service. Tesla’s pioneering mobile service technicians, the Tesla Rangers, travel to customers’ homes and perform annual inspections, firmware upgrades and other services. Customers can enjoy service from their home or office wherever they live.

The Roadster Sport consumes no gasoline. With an acceleration of 0-100km in less than four seconds, it is the only car that delivers supercar performance guilt-free, with zero tailpipe emissions and a carbon footprint dramatically lower than any comparable sports car.

To charge the Roadster, owners simply plug it in to any conventional outlet. A full charge provides over 380 kms of driving range. It is the only sports car in the world that can be charged with solar, hydro or wind energy.

The Roadster requires less routine maintenance than conventional cars. It does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace.

About Tesla

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

ZURICH, Switzerland -- (BUSINESS WIRE) — Leading electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla Motors will open its newest showroom June 10 in Switzerland’s largest city.

The store – located at Pelikanstrasse 10, in the heart of Zurich -- will host a media preview with Roadster test drives and executive interviews June 10th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

An invitation-only VIP gala with celebrity guests and other surprises will follow, including the delivery of a one-of-a-kind car – an Arctic white 2010 Roadster that recently stole worldwide headlines as the record-setting winner of the Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally, piloted by motorsport star Erik Comas.

Steps away from the city’s famous Bahnhofstrasse, the high-profile Zurich store will allow prospective customers to test drive the Roadster, the only all-electric car on sale and in production now. Tesla, which has already delivered more than 1,000 cars in at least 25 countries, sells its own vehicles and has forged strategic alliances with Daimler and Toyota to produce zero-emission cars.

Tesla has already delivered about 50 Roadsters throughout Switzerland, the company’s largest per-capita market. The Zurich store will serve as the epicenter for Tesla's fast-growing Swiss community, and it will be the base for more zero-emission Alpine road rallies, owner-appreciation parties and other exclusive events.

"Tesla’s remarkable success in Switzerland makes perfect sense – testimony not only to Swiss consumers' longstanding focus on innovative technology but also to the Roadster's all-weather durability," said Cristiano Carlutti, Vice President of Tesla’s European sales and operations. "We certainly share their passion for both the environment and high-performance sports cars, and we look forward to becoming even closer to our community of customers and fans when we open the new showroom."

The Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. It consumes no petroleum and plugs into conventional sockets – at owners' garages or offices, hotels, parking decks or at a growing number of charging stations throughout Switzerland – and several Swiss customers charge on 100 percent solar power from their photovoltaic panels.

Unlike petrol-powered vehicles, the single-speed Roadster does not require oxygen and therefore does not lose efficiency at altitude. Roadster drivers can drive with utmost confidence on Alpine passes, enjoying the car’s legendary torque without lag or downshifting. Regenerative braking allows the Roadster to recover energy on downhill stretches. Sophisticated power management software means the Roadster's revolutionary traction control is almost instantaneous.

The Roadster qualifies for numerous incentives in Switzerland, a hydroelectricity-dominated country with one of the cleanest grids in Europe. In some cantons, EVs get a 100 percent waiver of the annual road tax. Some cities, including Zermatt, ban internal combustion engine cars from the city center and only allow EVs to drive and park there.

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

Palo Alto, CA - Tesla Motors today kicked off its Electric Summer Roadster Tour. The only electric convertible that accelerates from 0-60 in 3.7 seconds will appear from Omaha to Buffalo, Seattle to Dallas, answering questions and offering test drives all over the country.

Customers interested in learning more about it can find the tour schedule here.

"Driving a Roadster from Los Angeles to Detroit proved to us that there is pent-up demand for the Roadster all over the country," said Ricardo Reyes, VP of Communications Tesla. "With this tour we hope to show that electric cars are here today, and better than traditional cars in so many ways."

The Roadster Sport consumes no gasoline. Owners simply charge the Roadster overnight and wake up to the equivalent of a full tank – over 200 miles of driving range. The Roadster requires less routine maintenance than conventional cars. It does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace. Zero tailpipe emission means no smog checks.

Tesla is revolutionizing the customer experience with its house-call approach to service. Tesla’s pioneering mobile service squad, the Tesla Rangers, travel to customers’ homes and perform annual inspections, firmware upgrades and other services. Customers can enjoy service from their home or office whether they live in Minneapolis, Dallas, or Eugene.

About Tesla

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Tesla Motors has purchased the former NUMMI factory in Fremont, California, where it will build the Model S sedan and future Tesla vehicles. As recently as April of 2010, the NUMMI factory was used by Toyota to produce the Corolla and Tacoma vehicles using the industry-leading Toyota production system. It is one of the largest, most advanced and cleanest automotive production plants in the world.

It is capable of producing half a million vehicles per year or approximately 1 percent of total worldwide car production. The award-winning plant was the first in North America to demonstrate Toyota Production System, a widely copied system that lead to dramatic quality improvements and unprecedented manufacturing flexibility and worker satisfaction.

The Model S is expected to be the first pure electric premium sedan and is designed from the ground up to take full advantage of the electric vehicle architecture. The sedan, which Tesla unveiled in March 2009, has an anticipated base price of $49,900, including a federal tax credit, and is intended to deliver the foremost design and technology in the automotive world. With an optional extended-range battery pack, the Model S will travel over 300 miles per charge.

The factory is located in the city of Fremont near Northern California’s Silicon Valley, very near Tesla’s Palo Alto headquarters. The location means Tesla can hire best-in-class engineers in Silicon Valley. The short distance also ensures a tight feedback loop between engineering, manufacturing and other divisions within the company.

"The Tesla Factory effectively leverages an ideal combination of hardcore Silicon Valley engineering talent, traditional automotive engineering talent and the proven Toyota production system," said Tesla CEO Elon Musk. "The new Tesla Factory will give us plenty of room to grow."

Toyota produced its last car there just last month. Tesla began discussions to acquire the site this spring, when it was also evaluating opportunities in Downey and Long Beach. The turnkey nature of the facility with its recent production of top quality vehicles and its considerable room for expansion made it stand out from other sites.

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

The two companies intend to form a specialist team to further those efforts. TMC has agreed to purchase $50 million of Tesla’s common stock issued in a private placement to close immediately subsequent to the closing of Tesla’s currently planned initial public offering.

"I’ve felt an infinite possibility about Tesla’s technology and its dedication to monozukuri (Toyota’s approach to manufacturing)," said TMC President Akio Toyoda. "Through this partnership, by working together with a venture business such as Tesla, Toyota would like to learn from the challenging spirit, quick decision-making, and flexibility that Tesla has. Decades ago, Toyota was also born as a venture business. By partnering with Tesla, my hope is that all Toyota employees will recall that ‘venture business spirit,’ and take on the challenges of the future."

"Toyota is a company founded on innovation, quality, and commitment to sustainable mobility. It is an honor and a powerful endorsement of our technology that Toyota would choose to invest in and partner with Tesla,” said Tesla CEO and cofounder Elon Musk. “We look forward to learning and benefiting from Toyota’s legendary engineering, manufacturing, and production expertise."

TMC has, since its foundation in 1937, operated under the philosophy of “contributing to the society through the manufacture of automobiles,” and made cars that satisfy its many customers around the world. TMC introduced the first-generation Prius hybrid vehicle in 1997, and produced approximately 2.5 million hybrids in the twelve years since. Late last year, TMC started lease of Prius Plug-in Hybrids, which can be charged using an external power source such as a household electric outlet. The company also plans to introduce EVs into the market by 2012.

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla service rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

En Español

MADRID, SPAIN, Wednesday, May 19th - Tesla Motors is making its first appearance this week at Spain’s premier auto show, and the company is hosting test drives all week.

The Madrid Motor Show, a top venue highlighting fuel-efficient cars, is May 20-23. Among hundreds of prototypes and concept cars on display at la Feria de Madrid, the Tesla Roadster stands out as the only highway-capable electric car already on sale.

In fact, Tesla will have an additional Roadster outside the expo available for test drives with qualified prospective customers – including those who reserved the Tesla Model S and those eager to "go electric" as soon as possible.

"More and more people want to start accumulating zero-emission miles today, and the Roadster lets them do just that in one of the fastest and most stylish cars in the world,” said Cristiano Carlutti, Tesla Vice President of European Sales and Operations. "Why wait when you can be part of the green revolution today?"

¡Viva la energía solar!

The Madrid debut comes weeks after Tesla delivered its first car to a customer in Spain. The new owner charges his twilight blue Roadster exclusively with renewable energy and lives “off the grid” in a remote valley of the Sierra Nevada.

The Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars, yet it produces no emissions. The Roadster, which consumes no oil whatsoever and plugs into conventional 220-volt sockets throughout Europe, can be charged with solar, hydro or wind energy.

Spain, a leader in the development of solar energy, expects to derive 12 percent of the nation’s primary energy from renewable resources by the end of this year. That means Roadster owners in Spain get to drive world's hottest sports car – and charge it from one of Europe’s cleanest energy grids.

The Roadster qualifies for a national rebate of at least €6,000 and a provincial rebates of €3,000 or more. Spanish owners get 75 percent off the yearly car tax. Roadsters get free metered parking and free use of the high-occupancy vehicle and bus lanes – a priceless advantage in the dense traffic of Madrid and Barcelona.

The Roadster can be recharged at millions of conventional power outlets throughout Europe. In addition, "Project Movele" is building free charging stations in Seville, Barcelona and Madrid.

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND, Wednesday, May 19th - Tesla Motors will debut this weekend at the Scottish Motorfair, where the award-wining Roadster will keep pace with a Formula 1 car and other supercars.

Held May 22-23 in Fife, the seventh annual Knockhill show in comes a month after the UK Motor Sport Association permitted electric vehicles to race in official competitions. The Tesla Roadster has already begun collecting trophies at prestigious UK circuits – and it will be the only zero-emission car at Knockhill that is already on sale and in production.

Tesla, which has delivered cars to customers in 25 countries so far, is providing test drives to the media and to qualified prospective customers this weekend in Scotland – including those who reserved the Tesla Model S and those eager to "go electric" as soon as possible.

"We hear every day from people who want to start accumulating zero-emission miles – but they don’t want to sacrifice performance and fun,” said Tesla UK sales manager and race car aficionado Gian Avignone, an Aberdeen native. "The Roadster is truly the only car that meets their needs, and they can start driving it today."

The Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars, yet it produces no emissions. The Roadster, which consumes no oil whatsoever and plugs into conventional 220-volt sockets throughout Europe, can be charged with solar, hydro or wind energy.

Scotland is now home to its first Roadster!

Tesla’s first appearance in Knockhill comes only weeks after Tesla delivered its first car to a customer in Scotland.

Scotland is an extraordinary model for renewable energy and a great place to demonstrate the environmental benefits of electric vehicles. Scotland has an abundance of hydro-electric schemes and already generates substantial wind power. It’s expected to be a 21st century leader of tidal and wave power development.

Local companies that purchase a Roadster benefit from a 100 percent Writing Down Allowance, meaning they can deduct the price of the car from their taxable profits. The Roadster is the only sports car that has ever qualified for a such a tax incentive throughout the UK.

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

NEWPORT BEACH, CA – Tesla Motors, producer of the Roadster, the only electric highway-capable high performance vehicle will open its Newport Beach store on Wednesday. Customers are welcome to visit the store for test drives of the world’s most exciting electric vehicle.

"Orange County is an important market and strategic base for Tesla," said Tesla General Manager Southwest Region Jeremy Snyder. "We are excited to join the community."

US Roadster customers get a $7,500 federal tax credit and California customers receive a CARB rebate of $5,000 for electric vehicles purchased/leased. Customers also benefit from High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane exemption and reduced charging rates from Southern California Edison.

Tesla's Newport Beach store, located at 1100 West Coast Highway, will also be the newest regional hub for Tesla’s pioneering mobile service squad. Professional technicians known as Tesla Rangers will travel to customers’ homes and perform annual inspections, firmware upgrades and other services. Tesla uniquely offers “house calls” so all customers can enjoy service from their home or office.

Tesla is revolutionizing the customer experience with its house-call approach to service. The innovative initiative gives customers peace of mind whether they live in Newport Beach or Albuquerque, NM. The Newport facility will be the service hub for customers throughout the Southwest United States.

The Roadster Sport, with an acceleration of 0-60 in 3.7 seconds, consumes no gasoline. Owners simply charge the Roadster overnight and wake up to the equivalent of a full tank – over 200 miles of driving. The Roadster requires less routine maintenance than conventional cars. It does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace. Zero tailpipe emission means no smog checks.

About Tesla

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA based Tesla sells cars online and has delivered over 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla has showrooms in California’s Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Boulder, South Florida, Chicago, London, Munich and Monaco. The Tesla Roadster is faster than many sports cars yet more efficient than a hybrid.

DELHI – A Tesla Roadster traveling around the world is expected to arrive in India later this month – the first time that the iconic sports car has ever appeared in South Asia.

The Roadster, which runs on electricity and can be fully or partially recharged from renewables such as solar or wind energy, will spend about two weeks in India. The car will take center stage at a variety of VIP and public events.

The Roadster is expected to arrive in India the week of May 17 and will be at Ambience Mall in Gurgaon, in suburban Delhi. The country’s multinational business hub prides itself on the fact that every household has available electric power connections.

In Jaipur, the car will be hosted by His Royal Highness Sawai Bhawani Singh Bahadur, the last maharaja of Jaipur -- considered Rajasthan’s most significant political, cultural and religious figure.

“It will be a huge honor to meet His Royal Highness, said Tesla technician Luke McClure, who drove the Roadster more than 3,000 miles throughout Europe and will log an additional 19,000 or more miles in Asia and North America before returning to his native England. “In more ways than one, Tesla is pushing the boundaries and blazing a new path for EVs. India is going to be an adventure every day -- for me and thousands of people following me online.”

Delhi is the seventh major stop in the “Odyssey of Pioneers,” the first round-the-world tour by a zero-emission GT car. The 22,000-mile voyage, sponsored by Tesla Motors and Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer, includes displays, owner appreciation gatherings, and VIP events in 15 cities and more than 150 towns on three continents.

Future stops include Japan, where Tesla recently began selling cars, and the United States. The tour concludes in Paris in October. 

Last week, the Roadster made history as the first car without Russian components to receive official clearance to park in Moscow’s Red Square – a hallowed venue considered the epicenter of Moscow and Russia itself.

Before that, the Tesla Roadster paid homage to its namesake in Budapest, where Nikola Tesla came up with the design for his revolutionary alternating-current induction motor in 1882. The Roadster – the only electric car for sale in Europe or North America -- uses an AC induction motor descended from the scientist’s original vision.

Throughout  Slovenia, Russia, India and elsewhere, the Roadster recharges from conventional outlets using existing infrastructure. The Roadster has charged from standard outlets at hotels, a solar panel array in Italy and even at a barn in rural Switzerland, demonstrating the versatility and ease of charging. Fans are following the Odyssey online and watching weekly video updates on YouTube and Facebook.

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

MOSCOW – A Tesla Roadster traveling around the world made history Friday as the first car without Russian components to receive official clearance to park in Moscow’s Red Square.

Red Square is the country’s former royal citadel and the president’s residence – an iconic venue considered the epicenter of Moscow and Russia itself. On Thursday, the Roadster was the center of a VIP celebration with more than 250 guests at Moscow’s Autoville Museum, where the car is on display all weekend. 

Moscow is the sixth stop in the “Odyssey of Pioneers,” the first round-the-world tour by a zero-emission GT car. The 37,000-kilometer voyage, sponsored by Tesla Motors and Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer, includes displays, owner appreciation gatherings, and VIP events in 15 cities and more than 150 towns on three continents. 

Previous stops have included Monaco, Milan and Budapest, where Nikola Tesla came up with the design for his revolutionary alternating-current induction motor in 1882. The Tesla Roadster – the only electric car for sale in Europe or North America -- uses an AC induction motor descended from the scientist’s original vision.

“The Roadster is an iconic and ground-breaking car, so it’s appropriate that it made history in such a poignant way,” said Tesla technician Luke McClure, who is driving the Roadster across three continents. “It was humbling to be granted the honor of parking in Russia’s most hallowed ground – and at the same time we have been mobbed by fans excited to see the Roadster in person.”

Throughout  Slovenia, Hungary, Russia and other countries, the Roadster has been recharging from conventional outlets using existing infrastructure. The TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster has charged from standard outlets at hotels, a solar panel array in Italy and even at a barn in rural Switzerland, demonstrating the versatility and ease of charging. Fans can follow the Odyssey online and become part of the tour’s social media experiments on Facebook.

The Suminoe factory will start producing 3.1Ah battery cells, the highest energy density cells available in the market. The facility will produce more than 300 million cells per year.

"These cutting-edge Panasonic batteries will combine with Tesla's battery pack technology to produce the highest-energy density EV battery packs in the world," said Straubel.

Yesterday, Tesla announced that for the first time Tesla Roadsters will be delivered to select customers in Japan.

Tesla has already delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America and Europe. Tesla battery packs power the Roadster, the only highway-capable EV currently in mass production. Tesla is also in production of battery packs for the Daimler Smart EV's and in battery development programs with other vehicle and stationary customers. For next generation battery packs, Tesla and Panasonic continue to deepen their relationship to optimize EV cells initially announced in January.

Panasonic Energy Company President Naoto Noguchi hands Tesla CTO JB Straubel an 18650 Lithium-ion cell at the Suminoe factory

Tesla’s goal is to produce increasingly affordable cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla sells cars online and has delivered nearly 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America and Europe. Tesla has showrooms in California’s Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Boulder, South Florida, Chicago, London, Munich and Monaco. The Tesla Roadster is faster than many sports cars yet more efficient than a hybrid.

Port Hueneme, CA -- Responding to growing demand, Tesla Motors the Silicon Valley-based automaker of the world’s fastest highway-capable electric vehicle today shipped a dozen Japan Signature Series Roadsters from Port Hueneme, California. The well-appointed right-hand drive Roadsters will arrive in Yokohama in early May for delivery to select customers throughout Japan.

The hand-built, carbon fiber electric Roadster accelerates from 0-100 km in 3.7 seconds. In January, Tesla announced a partnership with Panasonic to accelerate the development of next generation EV cells.

“With its combination of high-level car enthusiasts and interest and appreciation of cutting edge technology, Japan is a natural market for the Roadster," said Tesla CEO Elon Musk. "The Tesla Roadster is a no-compromise (dakyo no nai) vehicle that makes no sacrifices on performance, design, or engineering."

The national government of Japan is currently pushing a full-scale electric vehicle roll-out and is working with regions around the country to install power outlets for charging. Japan also offers perks for energy-efficient vehicles including zero or lower taxes and green subsidies. It hopes to reduce carbon emissions 25% by 2020.

The Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars, yet it produces no emissions. The Roadster, which consumes no oil whatsoever and plugs into conventional 220-volt sockets throughout Europe, can be charged with solar, hydro or wind energy.

The Roadster requires less routine maintenance than conventional cars. It does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace.

Visit www.teslamotors.com/japan for more information.

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

Harte is technical director of SWS Energy, Ireland’s second largest wind developer. He paints a future where electric vehicles will automatically match their charging to windy periods to help the national grid, but admits that his true motivation for buying the car was more emotional than professional. “It’s absolutely just for the crack,” Harte said.

The Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars, yet it produces no emissions. It consumes no petroleum and plugs into conventional 220-volt sockets throughout Europe.

Tesla has delivered about 1,000 Roadsters to customers in 23 countries, including the first arrivals this month in Ireland and Spain, where an owner near Granada charges exclusively from solar and hydro power.

Owner charges electric sports car from solar panels on his home near Granada.

GRANADA, Spain -- Tesla Motors has delivered its first car to a customer in Spain, and the new owner charges his Roadster exclusively with renewable energy.

Amsterdam native Otto Poldermans is a founding investor in Solar Hydro Solutions, which builds and installs solar equipment to private and commercial customers in Andalusia. Poldermans, whose twilight blue Roadster is powered by a combination of solar and hydroelectric energy, joins a growing community of Tesla owners worldwide who power their cars entirely “off the grid.”

The retired plastic surgeon moved to a remote valley in the foothills of the Spanish Sierra Nevada in 2001. For nearly a decade he has powered his home with photovoltaic panels and turbines on the Rio Chico. His equipment will now also power his Roadster, which he received this weekend.

“I hope that my Tesla catches people’s eye. I want it to teach people that energy all around us and extremely abundant -- more than enough to power our homes and our cars,” said Poldermans.

The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. It consumes no petroleum and plugs into conventional 220-volt sockets throughout Europe.

Tesla has delivered about 1,000 Roadsters to customers in 23 countries, including the first deliveries this month in Spain and Ireland.

The first delivery in Spain comes as Tesla representatives host test drives throughout the Easter holiday in Marbella. Prospective customers may book test drives in advance for slots March 28 to April 2 at hotels including the Hotel Villa Padierna, Marriott's Marbella Beach Resort and Hotel Don Carlos.

Deutsch

Driven by Formula One driver Erik Comas, Tesla Roadster becomes first electric vehicle to win three-day rally and first victory for an EV in an FIA-sanctioned competition.

MONACO — A Tesla Roadster has become the first electric vehicle to win the Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally and the first to win any FIA-sanctioned championship. Driven by Formula One driver Erik Comas, the Arctic White Roadster beat 96 competitors in range, efficiency and performance. The Roadster’s victory in the three-day, nearly 1,000-kilometer challenge also marks the first time an electric vehicle has dominated a Federation Internationale de l'Automobile competition worldwide.

The Roadster scored definitive victories in two additional categories, including the Efficiency Cup and the Electric Vehicles Cup. The course, which ended Sunday, covers highways, two-lane back roads, mountain passes and sprints on the Monaco F1 track.

"This is the first time ever that a 1,000-kilometer rally required only €24 worth of fuel – proof that the electric Roadster is definitively revolutionizing the car industry," said Comas, who has participated in 63 Grands Prix and dozens of other top races. "The Roadster is just as fast as some other supercars I’ve piloted – and it’s astoundingly more efficient than any rival. This was truly a team effort over the past days, and continued efforts like this will be vital in conquering the challenges of the future of motorsport."

The victory comes a year after Tesla set a world EV range record while competing in last year's rally. In 2009, an electric blue Roadster traveled the full 387-kilometer Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally from Valence, France, through the mountains to Monaco, finishing with 61 kilometers of remaining range. Although a world range record at the time, Simon Hackett subsequently drove his Roadster 501 kilometers in Australia, setting a new record.

In this year’s rally, which is certified by the Automobile Club de Monaco, a second Tesla Roadster was driven by Rudi Tuisk, Tesla's Australia general manager and former chief European technician. Tuisk successfully completed the range segment on this year’s slightly longer course, driving 390 km on one charge – with 66 kilometers remaining.

Tuisk compared the Roadsters' victories this weekend with the 24 Hours of LeMans of 2005, when an Audi prototype became the first diesel-powered car to win that world-famous event.

"In a humble way, I felt like I had the privilege of witnessing history today," Tuisk said.

In all, Tesla took home three prizes in the following categories:

• FIA Cup – Overall Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally
• Efficiency Cup
• Electric Vehicles Cup (IIIA)

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

For more photos, click here

Course through famed French countryside this weekend coincides with Tesla’s 37,000-kilometer “Odyssey of Pioneers.”

MONACO — Tesla Motors will return to the Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally this weekend. Tesla was a category winner last year and set a new world record for an electric vehicle. The Monte Carlo Rally is a three-day challenge to test range and performance of more than 100 alternative-fuel vehicles.

In 2009, an electric blue Roadster traveled 387 kilometers from Valence, France, through the mountains to Monaco, finishing the set course with 61 kilometers of remaining range. Although a world range record at the time, a Simon Hackett subsequently drove his Roadster 501 kilometers in Australia, setting a new record.

The driver of Tesla’s first team will be by Rudi Tuisk, Tesla’s Australia general manager and former chief European technician. Tuisk’s copilot will be retired French navigator Colette Neri, a Rallye de France star.

"It’s a great honor to be participating something that has deep historical roots yet is simultaneously pushing the rally culture into the future,” Tuisk said in Annecy, France, his starting point.

The driver of Tesla’s second team is former Formula One driver Érik Comas. He was French Formula 3 champion in 1988, and then Formula 3000 champion in 1990. Comas participated in 63 Grands Prix and scored a total of 7 championship points. He then moved to Japan, where he won titles in the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship, Asia’s premiere racing series.

More than 100 competitors have so far entered the 2010 rally, which covers highways, two-lane back roads, mountain passes and the Monaco F1 track. The challenge ends Sunday at Ever Monaco, a consumer and scientific expo focusing on renewable energy at Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum. Prospective customers may test drive Roadster at the Tesla booth throughout the conference. After the Monte Carlo Rally, Tesla will host VIPs and customers at its regional sales and service center at 4 Boulevard des Moulins, Monaco. Tesla opened the store in November in a regal ceremony hosted by H.S.H. Prince Albert II.

The rally coincides with the Monaco leg of the "Odyssey of Pioneers", a 24,000-mile tour sponsored by Tesla and TAG Heuer.

This epic journey is the first round-the-world tour by a zero-emission GT car. The special-edition, one-of-a-kind Roadster will travel to 15 major cities and more than 150 smaller towns on three continents before concluding in Paris in October.

The TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster will recharge throughout the Odyssey using existing infrastructure. Roadsters can be refueled from conventional electrical outlets, enabling owners to recharge from garages, or at hotels, charging stations, parking lots or nearly anyplace with electricity.

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

37,000-kilometer journey starts in Basel; tour will visit 15 cities on three continents.

March 19, 2010

ZURICH -- (BUSINESS WIRE) — An historic round-the-world tour in a zero-emission car will come to Zurich on Saturday – the first stop in a 37,000-kilometer voyage by Tesla Motors and avant-garde watchmaker TAG Heuer.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk and TAG Heuer President and CEO Jean-Christophe Babin kicked off the “Odyssey of Pioneers” March 18 at a star-studded event in Baselworld for TAG Heuer’s 150th anniversary. The car will travel to 15 major cities and more than 150 smaller towns before concluding in Paris in October at another celebrity gala.

The Odyssey of Pioneers centers around the 2010 TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster – a one-of-a-kind collector's car incorporating TAG Heuer styling and design elements, a unique concept watch and TAG Heuer timepieces. The zero-emissions car will depart Basel March 20 and travel in a convoy with about 20 Swiss owners to Zurich’s spectacular Dolder Grand, the first stop of the tour.

The car is expected to arrive at about 16:45 local time. Media may test-drive Roadsters and interview Tesla executives and customers at the event.

Like all Tesla cars, the TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster will recharge throughout the Odyssey using existing infrastructure. Tesla Roadsters can be refueled from conventional electrical outlets, enabling owners to recharge from the peace and safety of their own garage, or at hotels, charging stations, parking lots or nearly anyplace with electricity. The Roadster’s charger is on board the car, so you simply plug the car into an outlet, just like you do with an iPhone or hair dryer – no special equipment required.

The Odyssey begins in Switzerland, a key customer base for Tesla.

Thanks to the car's software and a patented power management system, the Roadster's traction control is almost instantaneous -- a perfect driving attribute in snowy locations. Furthermore, the Roadster doesn’t require oxygen or lose efficiency at altitude – unlike many conventional cars, which lose roughly 3 percent efficiency per 300 meters of altitude. People driving the single-speed Roadster can confidently overtake slower cars on Alpine passes without any lag or downshifting, and regenerative braking allows the Roadster to recover energy on downhill stretches.

The Roadster qualifies for numerous incentives in Switzerland. In some cantons, electric vehicles get a 100 percent waiver of the annual road tax. Some cities, including Zermatt, ban internal combustion engine cars from the city center and only allow EVs to drive and park there. The Roadster can be fully or partially charged by renewable energy, and several Swiss customers refuel their Roadster through solar energy.

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

GENEVA -- (BUSINESS WIRE) — Pioneering luxury Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer and electric carmaker Tesla Motors have teamed up in a worldwide partnership as the iconic Swiss brand celebrates its 150th anniversary.

On display at the Geneva Motor Show is the 2010 TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster. This one-of-a-kind collector's car includes a unique interior by Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen, incorporating TAG Heuer avant-garde design elements and a specially designed center console due to host TAG Heuer’s cutting edge concept watch, to be revealed in Basel on March 18.

This car also features a TAG Heuer Meridiist mobile phone as well as a one-fifth second Heuer Limited Edition Stopwatch. This Swiss-made timepiece with mechanical movement pays tribute to the 1860 founding of the company and evoques the mythic revival of the brand's vintage stopwatches.

The car's exterior color scheme is Foucault Field Gray, embodying the innovative spirit of both companies. The design was inspired by the new TAG Heuer concept watch, a technical milestone in mechanical movements, which brings technologically advanced art to life through motion.

The 2010 TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster will remain at the Tesla booth during the public show days, March 4-14 at the Palexpo-Geneva conference center. The car will then be driven to Baselworld, the world's largest watch exhibition, for a special event March 18.

Since its founding in an artisan's workshop in the Swiss Jura, TAG Heuer has become one of the world's best-known luxury brands -- maker of avant-garde watches, eyewear and premium mobile phones for refined consumers around the globe.

TAG Heuer, a star brand from the luxury group and worldwide leader Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH), also has deep roots in the automotive sector. Company founder Edouard Heuer received in 1911 the patent for The Time of Trip, the first car dashboard chronograph, followed in 1933 by the Autavia -- the first dashboard timekeeper for both automobiles and aviation. The benchmark in cutting-edge chronographs and timekeeping technology since 1860, TAG Heuer is the watch brand that can claim the longest and strongest association with motor sports and dream cars. Both watches and chronographs are inspired and driven by motor sports, from Formula One to GT cars.

"TAG Heuer has a rich history and expertise with the world's most prestigious racing teams -- but this is the first ever partnership we've forged with an electric sports car company," said Jean-Christophe Babin, President and CEO of TAG Heuer. "We believe that high-performance drivers are increasingly searching for products that are efficient, socially responsible and stylish. TAG Heuer and Tesla are two of the few companies arleady achieving these ideals today."

Tesla Motors began developing an electric sports car in 2004 and remains the only automaker selling highway-capable electric cars. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than nearly any other supercar yet is twice as energy efficient as a Toyota Prius -- the only car that delivers supercar performance guilt-free, with zero tailpipe emissions and a carbon footprint dramatically lower than any comparable sports car.

Based in California's Silicon Valley, Tesla has delivered more than 1,000 cars to consumers in 21 countries. Advertising Age magazine recently named Tesla one of America's "hottest brands." The Tesla Roadster is quickly becoming the must-have car among Hollywood celebrities, European royalty and socially responsible trendsetters worldwide.

"Engineers at both TAG Heuer and Tesla understand intuitively that technology -- whether worn on your wrist or driven on the road -- can help us live better while we tread more lightly on this planet," said Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

The CEOs of TAG Heuer and Tesla, along with celebrity customers of both companies, will launch their next collaboration in style on March 18 at a party during Baselworld 2010. This nine-month project, commemorating TAG Heuer's 150th anniversary, will have worldwide reach and will raise awareness of technological innovation to consumers on three continents.

Photos and video of the TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster are available online: http://www.teslamotors.com/media/image_library.php

TAG Heuer, which is proudly celebrating 150 years of Swiss watchmaking, has pioneered any major milestones in high-end watchmaking, particularly in the field of chronographs and ultimate precision. TAG Heuer is the first watchmaker to master luxury chronographs with an unsurpassed precision of 1/10th, 1/100th and 1/1,000th of a second. From the Olympic Games in the 1920s to its role as official timekeeper for the legendary Indy 500 race, with accuracy at 1/10,000th of a second, TAG Heuer, in a constant quest for innovation, excellence, performance and prestige, continues to aim ever higher. This is reflected in its quarter-century partnership with F1 team Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, its 7-year partnership with 2008 Formula 1 World Champion, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, and his new teammate, 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button.

The newest addition to the TAG Heuer legacy is the Calibre 1887, an in-house, Swiss manufactured, integrated column-wheel chronograph movement that pays tribute to the original Heuer oscillating pinion of 1887, one of the brand's first patents and a major benchmark in modern watchmaking.

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

SAN CARLOS, CA (BUSINESSWIRE) -- Tesla Motors, producer of the world's only highway-capable EV, is now offering the option of leasing the groundbreaking Roadster and Roadster Sport. Tesla Motors Leasing will allow more people to enjoy the Roadster's uncompromising design, engineering, and service with the benefits that leasing provides.

Tesla Leasing allows customers to take immediate delivery of a new 2010 Roadster or Roadster Sport with a three year, 30,000 mile contract and with monthly payments as low as $1,658 (see below for details). The relative low cost of electricity vs. gasoline and the low maintenance needs of Tesla's electric motor add to the benefits of leasing a Roadster over a conventional car. The cost savings compared to a similar gas powered car could be $131 per month based on an estimated 833 miles driven per month based on EPA fuel economy tests. At the end of the term, customers have the flexibility to purchase their Roadster or pay a fee and walk away.

"We are committed to continuously improving and enhancing the Roadster, offering a leasing option means even more people can drive this exciting and groundbreaking car," said John Walker, Tesla Vice President of Sales.

The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. It is quickly becoming the choice amongst discerning drivers who demand performance with a clean conscience.

The Roadster has an EPA range of 236 miles per charge, double that of any other commercially released electric vehicle. It can be charged in any conventional 120 or 240V outlet. The Roadster produces zero tailpipe emissions. It does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system repairs. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace.

Tesla customers also benefit from the Tesla Rangers, Tesla’s pioneering mobile service squad. Tesla Rangers make house calls for annual inspections, firmware upgrades and other services, so customers can enjoy hassle-free service from their home or office. U.S. customers pay $1 per roundtrip mile from the closest service center, with a minimum charge of $100.

Lease financing is available on Tesla Roadster vehicles. Monthly lease payments of $1,658 (excludes sales or use tax) for 36 months based on MSRP of $111,005 (includes destination and documentation fees). $12,453 due at signing includes $1,658 first month’s payment, $9,900 down payment, and $895 acquisition fee. No security deposit required. Excludes tax, title, license, registration, and any locally applied fees. This lease offer is subject to credit approval and is for well qualified customers only. Not all customers will qualify for this lease program. Lessee must cover insurance. At lease end, lessee will be liable for disposition fee ($350.00), any excess wear and use as set forth in the lease agreement and excess mileage charges of $0.25 per mile for miles driven in excess of 30,000 miles over the life of the lease. Lessee acquires no ownership interest unless purchase option is exercised. Visit a local Tesla showroom or contact Tesla Motors directly for details and vehicle availability. For more information call 650-413-6300. All figures presented are estimates only. Actual selling price may vary.

More details on Tesla Motors Leasing can be found at: www.teslamotors.com/leasing

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

Prospective customers and media can test-drive the 2010 Tesla Roadster at the Carlton Hotel (Via J. Badrutt 11, 7500 St. Moritz, Switzerland) Saturday and Sunday, during the last weekend of the exclusive "White Turf" horse race on frozen Lake St. Moritz.

Tesla has delivered about 1,000 Roadsters to customers in 21 countries, including 30 cars in Switzerland. That makes Switzerland one of the company's top markets on a per capita basis, testimony to the Roadster's all-weather durability and its solid performance in the rugged Alps.

The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. It consumes no petroleum and plugs into conventional 220-volt sockets throughout Europe. It can be fully or partially recharged by solar or wind power.

The Roadster is ideal for discerning drivers who refuse to give up sports car performance during winter weather or at high altitude. Thanks to sophisticated software and a patented power management system, the Roadster's revolutionary traction control is almost instantaneous.

Unlike petrol-powered cars, the single-speed Roadster does not require oxygen and therefore does not lose efficiency at altitude. That means Roadster drivers can confidently overtake slower cars on Alpine passes without any lag or downshifting. Additionally, regenerative braking allows the Roadster to recover energy on downhill stretches.

"Unlike conventional competitors, the Roadster is as much fun on a high Alpine road in February as on a sunny weekend in July," said Cristiano Carlutti, Tesla's Vice President for European Sales and Operations. "The Roadster gives you uncompromised, high-performance driving all year round -- without the hassle of conventional cars."

The Roadster qualifies for numerous incentives in Switzerland. In some Swiss cantons, electric vehicles get a 100 percent waiver of the annual road tax. Some cities, including Zermatt, ban internal combustion engine cars from the city center and only allow EVs to drive and park there.

SAN CARLOS, CA. – Tesla Motors announced today that former Toyota production engineering general manager Gilbert Passin will lead Tesla's vehicle manufacturing operations.

Passin brings 23 years of international automotive experience to Tesla. He has led some of the most high-profile divisions at Toyota, Volvo, Mack and projects at Renault across North America and Europe. Most recently, Passin served as general manager of production engineering for Toyota in North America. In spite of the recent recall, Toyota’s manufacturing production process continues to be regarded as one of the most efficient in automotive assembly.

Previously, Passin was vice president of manufacturing at Toyota's plant in Cambridge, Ontario. The award-winning plant produces over 200,000 automobiles per year and is the only Toyota site to produce a Lexus vehicle outside of Japan. It has won accolades from JD Power and is considered one of "Canada's Top 100 Employers." Passin was instrumental in the manufacturing planning and launch of the best-selling Lexus RX luxury SUV. He also launched manufacturing of the award-winning tenth generation Corolla, one of the most popular automotive models worldwide.

"Gilbert’s proven ability to successfully develop and produce quality vehicles at the world's top automakers makes him a critical addition to Tesla as we build our production capacity, particularly with respect to manufacturing the planned Model S sedan," said Tesla CEO Elon Musk. "He will also help us recruit the best and the brightest employees for our California manufacturing team."

Tesla is the only company to commercially produce highway-capable electric cars. The company has produced 1,000 cars and has customers in 18 countries worldwide.

During his time with Mack, Passin played a key role in transferring the production of highway trucks to Volvo's Virginia facility. At the Volvo facility, Passin successfully consolidated the production of Volvo and Mack trucks while increasing the production rate and improving quality and productivity.

Passin has a degree in Engineering from Ecole Centrale de Paris. He has also taught Dynamics and 3D Mechanics in the School of Engineering at the University of Bath, U.K.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get in on the ground floor of the exciting automaker and help launch its manufacturing operations," Passin said. "I hope to help Tesla set new standards for environmental efficiency, product quality and employee happiness, and I am eagerly anticipating building our team."

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

Goldman, Sachs & Co., Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan and Deutsche Bank Securities are acting as the joint book-running managers for the offering.

When available, a copy of the preliminary prospectus may be obtained from Goldman, Sachs & Co., via telephone: (866) 471-2526; facsimile: (212) 902-9316; email: prospectus-ny@ny.email.gs.com; or standard mail at Goldman, Sachs & Co., Attn: Prospectus Department, 85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004; from Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, via telephone: (866) 718-1649; email: prospectus@morganstanley.com; or standard mail at Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, 180 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014, Attn: Prospectus Department; from J.P. Morgan, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, New York 11717, or by calling toll-free at 1-866-803-9204; or from Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., via telephone: (800) 503-4611; or standard mail at 100 Plaza One, Jersey City, New Jersey 07311 Attn: Prospectus Department.

A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.

CHICAGO, IL. (BUSINESSWIRE) – Tesla Motors, the only automaker producing highway-capable EVs will celebrate the opening of its Chicago store on Thursday and offer test drives throughout the weekend of the world’s most exciting electric vehicle, the Tesla Roadster.

The City of Chicago, in collaboration with Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition and Gas Technology Institute, was a recipient of a US Department of Energy 2009 Clean Cities Petroleum Reduction Technologies grant [link]. The award aims to reduce vehicle emissions, displace 3.08 million gasoline gallon equivalents of petroleum every year, deploy 554 alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles and install 149 alternative-fuel fueling and electric vehicle charging stations throughout the Chicago region.

“With over 50 Roadster owners in the area, Chicago is an important market and strategic base for Tesla,” said Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

US Roadster customers get a $7,500 federal tax credit and the Illinois Alternate Fuels Rebate Program provides a rebate of $4,000.

Tesla’s Chicago store, located at 1053 W Grand Ave., is also the newest regional hub for Tesla’s pioneering mobile service squad. Professional technicians known as Tesla Rangers will travel to customers’ homes and perform annual inspections, firmware upgrades and other services. Tesla uniquely offers “house calls” so all customers can enjoy service from their home or office.

Tesla’s house-call approach is an innovative initiative to give customers peace of mind – whether they live in Chicago, Indianapolis or Iowa City. The Chicago facility will be the service hub for customers throughout Illinois and the Midwestern United States.

The Roadster Sport, with an acceleration of 0-60 in 3.7 seconds, consumes no gasoline. Owners simply charge the Roadster overnight and wake up to the equivalent of a full tank – roughly 240 miles of driving. The Roadster requires less routine maintenance than conventional cars. It does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace. Zero tailpipe emission means no smog checks.

About Tesla

Tesla’s goal is to produce increasingly affordable cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla sells cars online and has delivered nearly 900 Roadsters to customers in North America and Europe. In addition to South Florida, Tesla has showrooms in California’s Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Boulder, South Florida, London Munich and Monaco.

The Tesla Roadster is faster than many sports cars yet more efficient than a Hybrid. With an EPA-estimated range of 244 miles per charge, it costs less than $5 to charge.

DETROIT -- (BUSINESS WIRE) — Tesla Motors has built its 1,000th production vehicle -- a significant milestone for the only automaker worldwide producing and selling highway-capable electric cars.

The car, which bears the unique Vehicle Identification No. 1,000, is a special-edition Roadster Sport in “Millennial White,” with a unique interior and carbon fiber accents. VIN 1,000 will be on display at the North American International Auto Show through Jan. 24.

The world's leading electric vehicle manufacturer will donate the $175,000 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of this collector's car to several charities in metro Detroit.

"A year ago right here in Detroit we had delivered about 150 Roadsters, so VIN 1,000 is a humble but important milestone for us," said Tesla CEO Elon Musk. "It's fitting to do something special with this unique car."

Tesla will donate the full value of the car to organizations including:

• Forgotten Harvest: Oak Park, Mich.-based charity focused on alleviating hunger and waste by rescuing food from more than 450 food industry donors.
• The Children's Center: Detroit-based coalition of civic, corporate and philanthropic leaders dedicated to helping disadvantaged children and families.
• FOCUS: Hope: Detroit-based community organization focused on food and health programs to single low-income mothers and children, civic revitalization, and back-to-work education projects such as a "green jobs" training program.
• Sierra Club: The nation's oldest and largest grassroots environmental group with over 1.3 million members and supporters, winning big victories to stop global warming and move America into a clean energy future.
• National Wildlife Federation: America's largest conservation organization with more than 4 million members, partners and supporters working to protect and restore wildlife habitat, confront global warming and connect with nature.

Tesla, a Silicon Valley-based automaker that began vehicle development in 2004, has delivered Roadsters to customers in 43 states and 19 countries. The company operates 10 retail outlets in the United States and Europe.

Roadster Road Trip Car and Model S on Display

The Tesla booth at the Detroit auto show also features "VIN 750," an Arctic White Roadster Sport that recently completed a 2,700-mile cross-country road trip to Detroit from Los Angeles. Tesla employees drove 750 through nine states, three time zones, and two snowstorms – without a drop of gasoline.

The acclaimed Roadster accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 and is twice as energy efficient as leading hybrids. It is the only highway-capable electric vehicle for sale in North America or Europe.

The 2010 North American International Auto Show also marks the Detroit debut of the Model S. The Model S is an electric, seven-passenger sedan that Tesla plans to begin producing in early 2012 with an anticipated base price of $49,900 after a US federal tax credit.

About Tesla

Tesla is the world’s only automaker selling highway-capable electric vehicles. Tesla sells cars online and operates showrooms and galleries in London, Munich, Monaco, California’s Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, Colorado, New York, Seattle, Chicago and South Florida. The company's goal is to produce increasingly affordable cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs.

The electric Tesla Roadster accelerates from 0-60 in 3.7 seconds yet produces zero tailpipe emissions, qualifying it for tax credits and fee waivers throughout Europe and North America. The Roadster does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace. Tesla recommends a standard service and diagnostic inspection once a year – and Tesla can perform service with convenient “house calls” at customers’ homes or offices.

WINDSOR, UK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tesla Motors has hired former Fiat executive Cristiano Carlutti to lead the electric vehicle manufacturer's fast-growing European operations.

Carlutti, who began this week as Tesla's vice president of European sales and operations, has a unique background encompassing sales, marketing, branding and public relations. He has lead mission-critical divisions at Fiat, served as CEO of an Italian start-up and served on the organizing committee of the XX Winter Olympic Games.

“Cristiano has a solid track record of success at one of the world's largest automakers and an affinity for leading dynamic, entrepreneurial organizations -- a rare combination that makes him a great fit at Tesla as we expand," said Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Carlutti first joined Fiat in 1995 as a marketing analyst and rose to the vice president level, most recently overseeing the strategy and operations of the rent-a-car and used car department for European markets. Carlutti was also in charge of a €150 million program which established a network of company-owned showrooms throughout Europe.

Additionally, Carlutti served on the Organizing Committee of the XX Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy. As managing director of media operations for the 2006 games, Carlutti helped to create and manage a €13 million media operation with 20 venues serving more than 3,000 journalists.

Previously, Carlutti was CEO of Autocontact Italia, where he was in charge of reselling and servicing more than 90,000 vehicles per year. He lead the organization's marketing and branding initiatives for manufacturers including Fiat, Renault, Peugeot, Daimler and BMW.

"Europe has some of the world's most discerning drivers as well as progressive programs for electric vehicles, making Tesla uniquely well positioned in this market," Carlutti said. "I look forward to combining my automobile industry expertise with my passion for the environment, and it's thrilling to be part of this innovative, fast-moving Silicon Valley company."

San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla has delivered about 1,000 cars to customers throughout Europe and the United States. Tesla's European operations are headquartered in Windsor, UK. Tesla operates company-owned showrooms in London, Munich and Monaco.

Carlutti, who has a degree in business administration from the University Luigi Bocconi in Milan, is fluent in English, French and Italian, and he has lived in Germany, Russia, Ireland and the United States.

Tesla Motors is the world’s only automaker selling highway-capable electric vehicles. Tesla sells cars online and operates showrooms and galleries in London, Munich, Monaco, California’s Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, Colorado, New York, Seattle, Chicago and South Florida. The company's goal is to produce increasingly affordable cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs.

The all-electric Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than an Audi R8 yet produces zero tailpipe emissions, qualifying it for tax credits and fee waivers throughout Europe and North America. The Roadster does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace. Tesla recommends a standard service and diagnostic inspection once a year – and Tesla can perform service with convenient “house calls” at customers’ homes or offices.

SAN CARLOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tesla Motors and Panasonic today announced that they will collaborate to develop next-generation battery cells for electric vehicles.

Tesla, the only carmaker producing highway-capable electric vehicles, will use Panasonic’s battery cells in their newest battery packs. The cells are comprised of Nickel-based Lithium ion chemistry, the highest energy density battery cells in production today, preferred by Tesla for EV applications because of their high capacity, light weight, durability, and long life.

“Our collaboration with Panasonic will accelerate the development of next generation EV cells, enabling Tesla to further improve our battery pack performance,” said JB Straubel, Tesla’s Chief Technology Officer. “Combining Tesla’s rigorous cell testing and understanding of EV requirements with Panasonic’s cutting-edge battery technology will result in custom cells optimized for use in EVs.”

Panasonic is the world’s leading battery cell manufacturer and a diverse supplier to the global automotive industry.

“Being selected by Tesla to provide cells for their current and next- generation EV battery pack is a tremendous validation of Panasonic’s nickel-based chemistry and the extensive investments Panasonic continues to make in lithium ion R&D and production,” said Naoto Noguchi, President of Panasonic Energy Company.

Panasonic is one of the world’s largest producers of Lithium-ion battery cells. Furthermore, Panasonic is the global leader in lithium-ion cell technology, and is midway through a 3-year USD$1 billion investment in lithium-ion battery cell R&D and production facilities. The first of the new facilities in Suminoe, Japan will begin production in April 2010.

Tesla’s current battery strategy incorporates proprietary packaging using cells from multiple battery suppliers. This new cell will also be compatible with other cell form factors to enable the continuation of Tesla’s strategy of using cells from multiple suppliers. Tesla has already delivered more than 900 cars to customers in North America and Europe.

About Tesla

Tesla’s goal is to produce increasingly affordable cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla sells cars online and has delivered nearly 900 Roadsters to customers in North America and Europe. In addition to South Florida, Tesla has showrooms in California’s Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Boulder, London Munich and Monaco.

The Tesla Roadster is faster than an Audi R8 yet is six times as efficient as conventional sports cars. With an EPA-estimated range of 244 miles per charge, it costs less than $5 to charge.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)—Tesla Motors is embarking on a 2,700-mile road trip in the all-electric Tesla Roadster – a historic journey to raise awareness about alternative-fuel cars and greet customers nationwide.

Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla customers and employees will gather at Tesla’s Los Angeles store at 10 a.m. Thursday, leaving an hour later in an “Arctic white” 2010 Roadster Sport. They’ll be joined by Roadster owners from Southern California, Tesla’s largest regional market. Their first stop is the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana at about noon.

Tesla employees – including engineers, lawyers, recruiters and salespeople – will make dozens of stops nationwide for test drives, tech talks, customer-appreciation events and media opportunities. Tesla, which is aggressively recruiting mechanical and electrical engineers, is also swinging through college towns in Arizona, Texas and Illinois. The car will arrive in Detroit in advance of the North American International Auto Show, which starts Jan. 11.

Los Angeles, 10 a.m., Dec. 17: Road Trip Launch – Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen drives the first leg of the trip starting from the Tesla store at 11163 Santa Monica Blvd., West Los Angeles, Calif.

Palm Springs, Calif., 3 p.m., Dec. 17: Tesla Test Drives – Sales representatives will host test drives for prospective customers at The Parker Palm Springs, 4200 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, Calif.

Phoenix, Ariz., 2 p.m., Dec. 18: Women in Engineering – Tesla test engineer Laurel Fullerton will meet students at her alma mater, Xavier College Preparatory, to discuss opportunities for women in technology, 4710 North 5th St., Phoenix, Ariz.

Tucson, Ariz., 8:30 a.m. to noon, Dec. 19: Clean Cities – The city of Tucson and Clean Cities will celebrate Mayor Walkup’s official proclamation of Tucson an EV-friendly community with Tesla.

San Antonio, Texas, 5 p.m., Dec. 23: Tech Talk – Roadster Program Director Barrie Dickinson will host a tech talk with the Alamo City Area Electric Vehicle Club at The Republic House, 12333 West Ave. San Antonio, Texas.

Cresson, Texas, 3 p.m., Dec. 27: Roadster Rally – Jason Mendez, manager of powertrain manufacturing engineering and one of the company’s earliest employees, will take a few laps at MotorSport Ranch, 9012 Performance Court, Cresson, Texas.

Plano, Texas, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 28: Charge While You Charge -- Tesla will host test drives and meet customers at Shops at Legacy, 5700 Legacy Drive, Plano, Texas.

The entire road trip route is here: http://www.teslamotors.com/roadtrip/ .

For more events along the route, follow us on Twitter and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=teslamotors&init=quick#/teslamotors

Based in California’s Silicon Valley, Tesla is the world’s only automaker producing and selling highway-capable electric vehicles. Tesla, which has delivered about 900 cars to customers, sells vehicles online and operates showrooms and galleries in California’s Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, Colorado, New York, Seattle, South Florida, London, Munich and Monaco.

The all-electric Tesla Roadster Sport accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, outpacing almost all gasoline-powered sports cars but producing zero tailpipe emissions. It’s eligible for substantial tax incentives throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. The Roadster does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, radiators, alternators or clutches to replace. Tesla recommends a standard service and diagnostic inspection once a year – and Tesla can perform service with convenient “house calls” at customers’ homes or offices.

DANIA BEACH, Fl.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tesla Motors, the only automaker producing highway-capable EVs will open its doors in Dania Beach on Thursday and offer test drives throughout the weekend of the world’s most exciting electric vehicle, the Tesla Roadster.

"South Florida is a strong market and will be a strategic base for Tesla," said Tesla CEO Elon Musk. "From installing solar-powered street lights to promoting the advancement and adoption of electric vehicles, this forward-looking region has established itself as an environmental leader."

US Roadster customers get a $7,500 federal tax credit and Florida owners are able to use carpool lanes during rush-hour if they replace their gas guzzler with an electric, zero-emission vehicle as well as benefiting from a 10 percent "alternative fuel vehicle discount" from Farmers Insurance.

Tesla’s South Florida store, located at 1949 Tigertail Boulevard in Dania Beach, is also the newest regional hub for Tesla’s pioneering mobile service squad. Professional technicians known as Tesla Rangers will travel to customers’ homes and perform annual inspections, firmware upgrades and other services. Tesla is the only automaker offering "house calls" so all customers can enjoy service from their home or office.

Tesla’s house-call approach is an industry-leading initiative to give customers peace of mind – whether they live in Orlando, New Orleans or Nashville. The Dania Beach facility will be the service hub for customers throughout Florida and the Southeastern United States.

The Roadster Sport, with an acceleration of 0-60 in 3.7 seconds, consumes no gasoline. Owners simply charge the Roadster overnight and wake up to the equivalent of a full tank – roughly 240 miles of driving. The Roadster requires less routine maintenance than conventional cars. It does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace. Zero tailpipe emission means no smog checks.

About Tesla Motors

Tesla’s goal is to produce increasingly affordable cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla sells cars online and has delivered nearly 900 Roadsters to customers in North America and Europe. In addition to South Florida, Tesla has showrooms in California’s Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Boulder, London Munich and Monaco.

The Tesla Roadster is faster than an Audi R8 yet more efficient than a Prius. With an EPA-estimated range of 244 miles per charge, it costs less than $5 to charge.

Electric vehicles will take center stage at United Nations conference this week.

COPENHAGEN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tesla Motors will host test-drives and lead informational sessions about electric vehicles during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change this week in Denmark.

The conference, dubbed COP15, is an appropriate showcase for Tesla, the only automaker in the world producing and selling highway-capable electric vehicles. COP15 organizers have taken exceptional lengths to reduce the carbon footprint of an estimated 15,000 attendants, who are staying in environmentally friendly hotels, drinking tap water instead of bottled water, and using public transportation and electric vehicles to reach the Bella Center, where Roadsters will be the featured vehicles on display and available for test drives.

Tesla has delivered about 900 Roadsters throughout Europe and the United States. The Roadster is twice as energy-efficient as the Toyota Prius and produces zero tailpipe emissions. The Roadster has a range of about 400 km per charge, enabling it to drive across Denmark without refueling. It can be fully recharged through wind energy or from solar panels on customers’ homes.

"The core of Tesla’s business model is sustainability, so we are honored to play an important role in this seminal conference on the environment," said Ricardo Reyes, Tesla’s vice president of communication. "Tesla has played a leading role in encouraging the global automotive industry to "go electric," and we are thrilled that other automakers, entrepreneurs and policy makers are joining the EV revolution."

Tesla will provide test drives of the Roadster during "Drive the Future" events this week in Copenhagen. The exposition showcases the Roadster, which is already on sale and in production, and climate-friendly prototypes that other automakers are developing and plan to sell in upcoming years.

About Tesla Motors

Based in California’s Silicon Valley, Tesla is the world's only automaker producing and selling highway-capable electric vehicles. Tesla sells cars online and operates showrooms and galleries in London, Munich, Monaco, California’s Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, Colorado, New York and Seattle.

The all-electric Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than an Audi R8 yet is six times more efficient than conventional sports cars, making it eligible for substantial tax incentives in places such as Scandinavia, the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe, the United States and Canada. The Roadster does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, radiators, alternators or clutches to replace. Tesla recommends a standard service and diagnostic inspection once a year – and Tesla can perform service with convenient "house calls" at customers' homes or offices.

Vice President of Human Resources Arnnon Geshuri will build the staffing infrastructure to fill thousands of openings expected in coming years.

SAN CARLOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tesla Motors has hired senior Google staffing strategist Arnnon Geshuri to lead the automaker’s rapid recruitment of engineers and other key employees.

Tesla employs about 500 people and is aggressively hiring electrical and mechanical engineers, software developers, industrial designers and other technology professionals from around the world. Based in California’s Silicon Valley, Tesla is a dynamic, fast-paced startup where top experts in their fields work together on small, entrepreneurial teams to build uncompromising electric vehicles.

As vice president of human resources, Geshuri will architect Tesla’s recruitment infrastructure and identify candidates for a growing number of job openings. Previously, Geshuri was director of staffing operations for Google, where he designed the company’s legendarily recruitment organization and talent acquisition strategy.

Geshuri joined Google as chief staffing architect in late 2004, when the company just emerged from its IPO and employed around 2,500 people. While he oversaw all aspects of recruitment, Google evolved into a technology powerhouse with 20,000 employees – a workplace considered the premier destination for ambitious software engineers.

"Arnnon’s work enabled Google to hire an unprecedented number of outstanding workers in a remarkably short time," said Tesla CEO Elon Musk. "I’m confident that, just as he did for Google, Arnnon will help Tesla hire the best engineers and make our fast-growing staff even more productive."

Before Google, Geshuri was vice president of human resources and director of global staffing for E*TRADE Financial, where he helped recruit more than 2,000 people in 18 months and oversaw staffing programs and HR information systems. He also founded a startup and worked at Applied Materials, where he managed staffing operations and advised the president as it increased 7,000 employees within 2 years.

In the early 1990s, Geshuri was an organizational effectiveness consultant for New United Motors Manufacturing (NUMMI), the Fremont, Calif.-based joint venture of Toyota and General Motors. Geshuri, who has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California at Irvine and a master’s in industrial/organizational psychology from San Jose State University, launched focus groups to improve efficiency and morale among NUMMI assembly-line workers and supervisors.

"Many startups are limited only by their ability to recruit and retain top talent," Geshuri said, "so it’s a tremendous honor to ramp up staffing as Tesla launches into a critical phase of rapid growth."

About Tesla Motors

Tesla Motors is the only automaker producing and selling highway-capable electric vehicles. Employees work in Tesla’s Silicon Valley headquarters and at the Tesla Design Studio in Hawthorne, Calif. Tesla, which is expanding its retail footprint, already operates showrooms and galleries in California’s Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, Colorado, New York, Seattle, London, Munich and Monaco.

Tesla engineers recently launched the 2010 Roadster – faster than an Audi R8 yet six times more efficient than conventional sports cars. Tesla engineers are also developing electric powertrain components for sale to other automakers, and they are deep into the development of the Model S, an all-electric family sedan that will be mass-produced in Southern California. In June, the Department of Energy approved Tesla for $465 million in low-interest loans to bring the Model S to market.

MONACO — Tesla Motors will open a regional sales and service center in Monaco on 24 November 2009.

The Monaco store, located in the Golden Square of the State, le "Carré d’Or", will serve all of Southern Europe. The Monaco store is the third in Europe following stores in London and Munich. Tesla has already delivered cars to customers in the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and France.

Service Everywhere

Tesla’s Monaco gallery – 4 Boulevard des Moulins - is the newest regional hub for Tesla’s pioneering mobile service squad. Tesla is the only automaker offering "house calls" so all customers can enjoy service at their home or office.

Professional technicians will travel to customers’ homes and perform annual inspections, firmware upgrades and other services.

Tesla’s house-call approach is an industry-leading initiative to give customers peace of mind – whether they live in Paris, Milan or Madrid. The Monaco facility will be the service hub for customers throughout Southern Europe.

Tesla has delivered nearly 900 cars, and many owners in Northern climates drive them all winter long. Tesla performed cold-weather testing on a frozen lake in Arvidsjaur, Sweden. Scandinavia is a leading European sales market.

In addition to being four-season friendly, the Roadster consumes no gasoline. Owners simply charge the Roadster overnight from a conventional 50 – 60 Hz outlet, and every single morning the car is fully charged – roughly 380 km of driving.

Customers say never going to a gas station is one of the top benefits of Roadster ownership – even more appealing than the car’s scorching 0-60 acceleration in 3.7 seconds, or its small carbon footprint.

The Roadster requires less routine maintenance than conventional cars. It does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace. Zero tailpipe emission means no smog checks. Tesla recommends a standard service and diagnostic inspection once a year or every 12,000 miles – and our mobile service professionals can perform that anywhere.

About Tesla

Tesla’s goal is to produce the world’s leading electric cars and powertrains – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla sells cars online and has delivered nearly 900 Roadsters to customers in North America and Europe. In addition to Monaco, Tesla has showrooms in Munich, London, California’s Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, New York, Colorado and Washington.

The Tesla Roadster is faster than Porsche 911 yet is six times as efficient. With an EPA-estimated range of nearly 400 km per charge, it can cost €6 to refuel.

Rather than depending on conventional advertising, Tesla has relied on the quality of its product and word-of-mouth recommendations from early customers to promote the company.

"Our owners become our ambassadors," Tesla CEO Elon Musk told the influential trade publication.

The Tesla Roadster is faster than a Porsche 911 and twice as energy efficient as a Prius. It has received excellent reviews from the nation’s toughest car critics.

The Advertising Age case study was published this week and is available online: http://adage.com/article?article_id=140487.

San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla is the world’s only automaker producing and selling highway-capable electric vehicles. Tesla has delivered about 900 cars to customers in North America and Europe. Tesla sells cars online and operates showrooms and galleries in California’s Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, Colorado, New York, Seattle, London and Munich.

The Tesla Roadster is faster than an Audi R8 yet is six times more efficient than conventional sports cars. With an EPA-estimated range of 244 miles per charge, it costs less than $5 to refuel. The Roadster does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace. Zero tailpipe emission means no smog checks. Tesla recommends a standard service and diagnostic inspection once a year or every 12,000 miles – and Tesla can perform service with convenient “house calls” at customers’ homes or offices.

Hackett and Prelgauskas are driving Hackett’s red 2008 Roadster as part of the 10th annual Global Green Challenge, one of the most high-profile rallies worldwide for production, prototype and experimental cars. Hackett is providing updates in real time on his blog.

The pair drove from Alice Springs, in the Australian Northern Territory, to the finish marker at a point 183 km north of Coober Pedy, in South Australia.

The previous distance record for an electric vehicle was set in April, when another Roadster was the only vehicle to complete the entire, 241-mile Rallye Monte Carlo d'Energies Alternatives. It had an estimated 38 miles left on the charge.

The Tesla Roadster is the first production automobile to use lithium-ion battery cells and the first production EV with a range greater than 200 miles (320 km) per charge. Tesla has delivered about 900 Roadsters to customers so far.

Hackett sent Tesla the following note before going to bed last night:

"Emilis and I have decades of experience flying gliders competitively and we applied the same energy conservation techniques to our driving, with significant results! The car had about 3 miles of range left when the drive was completed. We travelled 501km on a single charge. Let that sink in for a minute.

“The security seal was applied to the charge port door when we started the journey. As this is being done as part of the Global Green Challenge, we have a full set of official verifiers here who will attest to the results and to achieving the outcome. We were followed along the journey by our support crew and a documentary film crew - so we have it on film.

“It’s late here and we have another 541k to drive (with an intermediate charge stop) tomorrow - and another two days of the event left after that. When we're done, we will have driven over 3000 km's in the Roadster over the course of only six days, from Darwin to Adelaide."

Tesla Motors’ goal is to produce increasingly affordable cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla sells cars online and has delivered about 900 Roadsters to customers. Tesla operates galleries in California’s Silicon Valley and Los Angeles; New York; Seattle; Boulder, Colorado; London and Munich.

Tesla achieved overall corporate profitability in July, thanks to strong demand for the Roadster. The all-electric sports car is faster than Porsche 911 or Audi R8 yet is six times as efficient as conventional sports cars. Tesla services cars in its galleries and through “house calls” so owners can enjoy hassle-free service without leaving their home or office.

BOULDER, Colo.–Tesla Motors will open a gallery in Boulder on Friday and offer test drives of the world’s leading electric vehicle throughout the weekend.

Colorado is a strong regional market and strategic base for Tesla, the only automaker producing and selling highway-capable EVs. The centennial state aims to be the most environmentally friendly in the nation, with Gov. Bill Ritter getting accolades as America’s “Greenest Governor.”

US Roadster owners get a $7,500 federal tax credit, and Colorado’s progressive public policy offers additional incentives for residents who buy this year. Coloradans get more benefits if they replace their gas guzzler with an all-electric, zero-emission Roadster – the only car that’s faster than a Porsche 911 and twice as energy efficient as a Toyota Prius.

“Tesla’s newest gallery is a huge coup for those of us who live in and love Colorado,” said Kimbal Musk, a Tesla board member, Internet entrepreneur and restaurant owner in Boulder. “Colorado was the adopted home of turn-of-the-century inventor Nikola Tesla, and it’s great to see that our state is still inspiring visionary change.”

Service Everywhere

Tesla’s Boulder gallery -- 915 Pearl St. in the popular Pearl Street Mall – is the newest regional hub for Tesla’s pioneering mobile service squad. Tesla is the only automaker offering “house calls” so all customers can enjoy hassle-free service without leaving their home or office.

At the heart of Tesla’s commitment to customer service is the team of Tesla Rangers – professional technicians will drive or fly to customers’ homes and perform annual inspections, firmware upgrades and other services. US customers pay $1 per roundtrip mile from the closest service center, with a minimum charge of $100.

Based on vaunted customer service programs from pioneering retailers such as Zappos.com and the Geek Squad, Tesla’s house-call approach is an industry-leading initiative to give customers peace of mind – whether they live in Aspen, Albuquerque or Anchorage. The Boulder facility will be the service hub for customers throughout the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains.

The Most Convenient Car You Can Buy

Tesla has delivered nearly 900 cars, and many owners in Northern climates drive them all winter long. Tesla performed cold-weather testing on a frozen lake in Arvidsjaur, Sweden. Scandinavia is a leading European sales market, and Canadian deliveries start later this year. Electric seat warmers and heating vents thaw drivers on frigid nights. The Roadster can also be fitted with snow tires and chains, and customers may select from two hard-top roof options.

In addition to being four-season friendly, the Roadster consumes no gasoline whatsoever and therefore never requires a time-consuming detour to the pump. Owners simply charge the Roadster overnight from a conventional 120- or 240-volt outlet, and every single morning the car is fully charged – roughly 240 miles of driving.

Customers say never going to a gas station is one of the top benefits of Roadster ownership – even more appealing than the car’s scorching 0-60 acceleration in 3.7 seconds, or its relatively small carbon footprint.

The Roadster requires less routine maintenance than conventional cars. It does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace. Zero tailpipe emission means no smog checks. Tesla recommends a standard service and diagnostic inspection once a year or every 12,000 miles – and Rangers can perform anywhere.

About Tesla

Tesla’s goal is to produce increasingly affordable cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla sells cars online and has delivered nearly 900 Roadsters to customers in North America and Europe. In addition to Boulder, Colorado, Tesla has showrooms in California’s Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, London and Munich.

Tesla achieved overall corporate profitability in July, thanks to strong demand for the Roadster. The all-electric sports car is faster than Porsche 911 or Audi R8 yet is six times as efficient as conventional sports cars. With an EPA-estimated range of 244 miles per charge, it costs less than $5 to refuel.

SANTA MARIA, Calif., Sept. 22, 2009–SolarCity® and Rabobank, N.A. today announced a partnership to create the world’s first solar-powered enhanced, fast-charge electric car charging corridor. When complete, the corridor will include four locations between San Francisco and Los Angeles (Salinas, Atascadero, Santa Maria and Goleta), allowing all-electric cars to make the trip using solar energy and provide for the fastest charge time available for public EV charges. The SolarCity-owned and operated corridor, built in cooperation with electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla Motors, will provide a full charge in one third the amount of time of other charging stations.

San Francisco and Los Angeles each support local infrastructure for electric vehicles (EV), and many enterprising EV owners have successfully completed ambitious road trips throughout California and even cross-country. Allowing drivers to plug in and charge up at multiple locations along well traveled corridors will dramatically increase the convenience and practicality of the growing number of EVs on American roads. Rabobank branches are positioned all along the high-traffic Highway 101 corridor, close to shops, restaurants and other commercial centers in Northern and Southern California, making them ideal locations for charging stations.

“This charging station corridor demonstrates an important component of SolarCity’s vision for a carbon-free lifestyle. We’re combining clean, renewable solar power with all-electric transportation, allowing drivers to travel through California with zero emissions,” said SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive. SolarCity has installed more than 100 solar home charging stations for Tesla owners. The company has also assumed responsibility for a distribution contract for electric vehicle chargers for Toyota Tsusho as part its acquisition of SolSource Energy, announced last week.

Rabobank, N.A. is a California community bank that provides personalized service and a full array of quality products to individuals, businesses, and agricultural clients.  The bank has completed a 30 kilowatt solar installation at its South Broadway branch in Santa Maria and is evaluating installing solar at additional locations. In addition to providing renewable energy to charge electric cars, the systems will offset electricity used by the locations. As part of the Rabobank Group, a global leader in sustainability-oriented banking, Rabobank, N.A. will offer local California customers and local shoppers convenient charging stations with clean, renewable energy.

“We hope that this corridor of charging stations provides new travel opportunities for electric vehicle owners and gives further momentum to the renewable energy movement,” said Marco Krapels, co-chair of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility committee. 

The corridor would be the first interregional effort of its kind and would be the first to include solar power at a charging station. California is the first state in the United States to be aggressive about EV transportation. The Bay Area is home of Tesla Motors, makers of electric sports cars, among other EV manufacturers. State and local governments, electric utilities, the federal government and other entities are working together to support this infrastructure. Rabobank and SolarCity are taking the EV movement one step further, by charging electric vehicles with power from the sun.

Tom Dowling, electric vehicle charging infrastructure manager for the Electric Auto Association, is experienced with installing, tracking and maintaining EV charging stations. “These bank branches are what I call enabler locations because they allow EV drivers to take longer trips and thereby use the EV as their primary car,” says Dowling. “Solar-powered charging stations mean true zero-emission driving, from well to wheels.”

For more information about charging stations and electric cars:
http://www.solarcity.com/residential/electric-vehicle-charging-stations.aspx

About SolarCity

SolarCity—a national leader in solar power system design, financing, installation, monitoring and related services—was founded with the mission to help millions of homeowners and businesses adopt solar power, protect themselves from rising electricity costs and protect their environment from polluting power sources. The company’s first-of-its-kind SolarLease offering can make it possible for homeowners to switch to clean, solar power for less money than they currently pay for electricity. SolarCity currently serves more than 500 communities in California, Arizona and Oregon. Additional information about the company is available on the Web at www.solarcity.com.

About Rabobank, N.A.

Rabobank, N.A. is a California community bank that provides personalized service and a full array of quality products to individuals, businesses, and agricultural clients.  With 91 retail branches and 15 financial service centers, we serve the needs of communities from Sacramento to the Imperial Valley through local decision making and active community involvement by our employees. Rabobank, N.A. is part of the Rabobank Group, one of the safest banks in the world with a triple A rating from Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Service. www.rabobankamerica.com

MUNICH--Tesla Motors will open a regional sales and service center in Munich on Sept. 10, and the following week senior executives will formally unveil the production version of the Roadster Sport.

The Munich store (Blumenstr. 17) will be the first Tesla store in continental Europe. Tesla opened its flagship London store in June and will open a store in Monaco later this year. World’s leading electric vehicle company is ramping up deliveries throughout Europe and has already delivered cars to customers in the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and France.

“The Roadster is quickly becoming the vehicle of choice for discriminating Europeans,” said Tesla CEO Elon Musk. “Many of our customers are die-hard European sports car aficionados who switch to Roadsters over concern about climate change and the dangers of foreign oil addiction. And some customers buy the Roadster simply because it will beat the Porsche 911 or Audi R8 off the line every time.”

Tesla executives will debut the production version of the Roadster Sport on Sept. 15 at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The event also marks the European debut of the Model S, an all-electric, seven-passenger sedan that Tesla plans to begin producing in late 2011.

The Frankfurt show is the first to feature Tesla’s full 2010 model-year lineup -- the Roadster Sport and the second-generation Roadster, or Roadster 2. Additionally, Tesla executives will keynote the SupplierBusiness Conference Sept. 17 in Frankfurt.

The Roadster 2, which Tesla is building and shipping to customers now, features an array of enhancements. Those include a more powerful heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system, more comfortable seats and a far more luxurious dashboard and cabin. The interior is quieter than its predecessor, and the ride is forgiving over harsh surfaces -- without sacrificing handling performance.

The Roadster Sport, which Tesla is also building and shipping to customers now, is an even higher performance car that does 0 to 100 kmh in 3.7 seconds, compared to 3.9 seconds for the standard Roadster. The Sport includes a more powerful motor, custom-tuned adjustable suspension and forged wheels. A customer’s Roadster Sport sprinted the quarter-mile in 12.643 seconds in late July, setting a new record in the U.S. National Electric Drag Racing Association.

The acclaimed Roadster – which has better acceleration than a Porsche 911 or Audi R8 and is twice as energy efficient as a Toyota Prius – is the only highway-capable electric vehicle for sale in Europe or North America. It’s the first EV to travel more than 300 km per charge and the first EU- and US-certified Lithium-Ion battery electric vehicle.

The Roadster has an estimated average range of about 400 km per charge, and it produces zero tailpipe emissions. In April, the Roadster set another significant EV record when it traveled the entire 390-km course of the Rallye Monte Carlo d'Energies Alternatives on a single charge – from Valance, France to Monaco, through the Alps. The Roadster was the only car to finish the course – and at the end it still had 61 km left on the charge.

The Roadster qualifies for numerous tax benefits in Europe, including sales, luxury and use tax waivers in Scandinavia and exceptional incentives in Holland, making the car an unquestionable bargain compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. The relatively high cost of petrol in Europe dramatically lowers Tesla’s total cost of ownership relative to gas-guzzlers. Eventually, Tesla expects sales to be roughly split between North America and Europe.

Tesla Motors remains the only automaker worldwide manufacturing and selling highway-capable EVs. The company achieved overall corporate profitability in July and has delivered about 700 Roadsters to customers so far. Tesla’s goal is to produce increasingly affordable cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EV technology. Tesla also sells patented power train components to other automakers, including the battery pack and charger for the electric Smart, built by German carmaker Daimler.

The Roadster beats nearly every other car for acceleration yet is twice as energy efficient as a Toyota Prius. With an EPA-estimated range of nearly 400 km per charge, it can cost €6 to refuel and is faster than street-legal Porsches and Ferraris. The Roadster consumes no gasoline whatsoever, never needs routine oil changes and requires far less maintenance than internal combustion engine vehicles or complicated hybrids, resulting in dramatically lower total cost of ownership than a conventional car.

Tesla sells cars online and operates showrooms in New York, Seattle, London, West Los Angeles and California’s Silicon Valley. Tesla will soon open stores in Chicago and Munich, and it’s planning stores in South Florida, Washington DC, Toronto and Monaco this year.

• Interviews of Tesla’s key management and dealership personnel
• Observation of real car buyers at Tesla and non-Tesla dealerships
• Ideation, design, prototyping and iteration of new vehicle purchase models
• Presentation of proposed models to Tesla management

About Tesla

Tesla Motors is the only automaker in the world that is manufacturing and selling highway-capable electric vehicles. Tesla, which achieved overall corporate profitability last month, has delivered nearly 700 Roadsters to customers so far. The company's goal is to produce increasingly affordable cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EV technology. Tesla also sells patented power train components to other automakers.
 

Leading electric vehicle maker will also move corporate headquarters to Stanford Research Park in Palo Alto

PALO ALTO, Calif.-The City of Palo Alto and Tesla Motors announced today that Tesla will develop and manufacture electric vehicle components in a renovated building in the Stanford Research Park in Palo Alto.

Tesla, the only automaker that is already producing and selling highway-capable electric vehicles, will lease an approximately 350,000-square-foot building on a 23-acre parcel at 3500 Deer Creek Road. The facility will supply all-electric powertrain solutions to Tesla Motors vehicles and other automakers, greatly accelerating the availability of mass-market EVs.

The world’s premier EV manufacturer will also move its corporate headquarters from San Carlos to the site later this year. Roughly 350 employees will work in Palo Alto initially, with space for up to 650 people at the facility.  

Tesla’s lease of this facility is a creative, adaptive reuse and modernization of a manufacturing facility formerly occupied by Hewlett-Packard and Agilent Technologies. The three-building complex is minutes away from Stanford’s main campus and from the garage in Palo Alto where Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard built their original audio oscillator.

“Silicon Valley and the Stanford Research Park are synonymous with innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Tesla CEO and Product Architect Elon Musk. “It’s an ideal place for a new car company trying to rethink many aspects of the traditional automotive business.”

“Our city is a leader in promoting sustainability and has a strong commitment to green technology. Therefore we’re extremely pleased to welcome Tesla to Palo Alto,” said James Keene, Palo Alto City Manager. “Stanford, its Research Park, and Palo Alto have always been at the forefront of new technological discoveries and inventions, as well as fostering practices and ideas that increase environmental sustainability. Tesla’s move is another indicator that Palo Alto is the place to be for the green tech and alternative energy companies that will help solve the daunting global environmental challenges of the 21st century.”

Tesla sells power train components to other automakers so they can get affordable EVs to customers faster. Tesla is already producing EV components for Germany’s Daimler, maker of Mercedes. The company will build the highly anticipated electric version of the Smart city car using Tesla battery packs and chargers.

Tesla, which achieved overall corporate profitability in July thanks to the popularity of the Roadster sports car, expects to announce other powertrain deals in the upcoming months. Tesla has already delivered nearly 700 Roadsters to customers.

“Tesla is rapidly recruiting new employees, and this fabulous working environment and proximity to Stanford University will give us excellent access to top engineering talent,” said JB Straubel, Tesla’s Chief Technology Officer and leader of the powertrain group. Straubel received a bachelor's degree in energy systems engineering and a master's in energy engineering, both from Stanford.

Tesla is in site negotiations for an assembly plant for the all-electric Model S. The sedan will be produced at a separate assembly plant in California -- not at the Palo Alto site.

Tesla will renovate the Deer Creek Road facility to the highest environmental standards, incorporating sustainable building practices certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. Construction is expected to begin in early fall.

Financing will come in part from loans from the U.S. Department of Energy. Last month, Tesla received approval for nearly $465 million in low-interest loans to accelerate the production of affordable, fuel-efficient electric vehicles.

The loans are part of the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) Program, which provides incentives to new and established automakers to build more fuel-efficient vehicles. Created in 2007, the $25 billion ATVM aims to reduce America’s dangerous dependence on foreign oil and create “green collar” jobs. The program is entirely unrelated to the stimulus package or the so-called “bailout” funds that General Motors and Chrysler have received.  

About Tesla

Tesla Motors is the only automaker in the world that is manufacturing and selling highway-capable electric vehicles. Tesla, which achieved overall corporate profitability last month, has delivered nearly 700 Roadsters to customers so far. The company's goal is to produce increasingly affordable cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EV technology. Tesla also sells patented power train components to other automakers.

Ruling is consistent with Tesla’s belief in a “founding team” of entrepreneurs and technologists

July 29, 2009

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – A judge has struck down a claim by Martin Eberhard, who asked to be declared one of only two founders of electric car company Tesla Motors Inc.

The ruling Wednesday in San Mateo County Superior Court is consistent with Tesla’s belief in a team of founders, including the company’s current CEO and Product Architect Elon Musk, and Chief Technology Officer JB Straubel, who were both fundamental to the creation of Tesla from inception.

“We agree that Eberhard’s claims on the question of who founded Tesla have no merit,” Musk said. “We look forward to proving the facts in court as soon as possible and setting the historical record straight.”

Tesla, which is represented by Silicon Valley law firm Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, has asked that Eberhard, a former CEO of Tesla, revise his original lawsuit and delete some of the most outrageous and demonstrably false assertions, including implications that Musk may not have received his undergraduate degrees or been accepted to graduate school. Such statements are easily proven false through online degree verification services or other simple fact checking, and they illustrate the degree to which the original lawsuit by Eberhard is a fictionalized account of Tesla’s history.

Based in California's Silicon Valley, Tesla Motors builds electric vehicles with exceptional design, performance and efficiency, while conforming to all safety, environmental and durability standards. The Roadster, which has a 0-to-60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds and is twice as energy-efficient as a Toyota Prius, is the only highway-capable production EV for sale today. Tesla has delivered nearly 600 Roadsters to customers and will begin production of the all-electric Model S family sedan in late 2011.

NEW YORK, July 15, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tesla Motors will welcomes the public to its display showroom in Manhattan, and the electric vehicle manufacturer is hosting a ride-and-drive event Thursday in Manhattan's Chelsea Art District.

Tesla representatives will offer rides and a limited number of extended test-drives to the public. The open house is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at 511 W. 25th St., close to the West Side Highway with easy access to downtown and the suburbs.

Tesla, the world's leading electric vehicle manufacturer, has two showrooms in California and opened its London store last month. Tesla's Seattle store will open to the public July 25. Chicago, Miami, Munich and Monaco will open later this summer. Tesla is also scouting locations in Washington DC and Toronto. Please check online for more details on Tesla's exciting retail rollout.

Each store will serve as a regional service and distribution center. But remember: electric vehicles don't need routine oil changes, exhaust system repairs, spark plugs, pistons, timing belts and other time-consuming and costly maintenance.

Tesla customers may finance their Roadster through Bank of America. This payment option makes the Tesla Roadster more affordable than comparable super cars. A customer approved for a 5-year financing term on a base Roadster could put down as little as $20,000 before taxes and net of the US federal tax credit. The monthly payment would be approximately $1,700 at a 5 percent annual percentage rate.

That monthly payment is typical for high performance cars - but Roadster drivers will enjoy hundreds of dollars per month in savings unavailable to gas guzzlers. The Roadster, which gets an estimated 244 miles per charge, costs roughly $4 to refuel and does not require routine oil changes or exhaust system work. Unlike high-maintenance internal combustion engines, Teslas get a 100 percent waiver on sales, luxury and use taxes in at least four states, and they qualify for commuter lane privileges, free parking and free charging in many regions.

Prospective customers may complete documents at Tesla showrooms or online, including electronic signature and customer verification. Tesla customer service staff can assist with the application in a showroom or at 650-413-6300.

Based in California's Silicon Valley, Tesla Motors builds electric vehicles with exceptional design, performance and efficiency, while conforming to all safety, environmental and durability standards. The Roadster, which has a 0-to-60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds and a base price of $101,500 after a $7,500 US federal tax credit, is the only highway-capable production EV for sale in North America or Europe. Tesla has delivered more than 500 Roadsters to customers nationwide and will begin production of the all-electric Model S family sedan in late 2011.

July 14, 2009 SAN CARLOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE) — Tesla Motors announces Roadster financing in the United States by Bank of America, thus significantly expanding the number of customers who can experience the all-electric Roadster.

Bank of America financing makes the Tesla Roadster much more affordable. For example, a customer approved for a 5-year financing term on a base Roadster could put down as little as $20,000 before taxes and net of the US federal tax credit. The monthly payment would be approximately $1,700 at a 5 percent annual percentage rate (APR).

The actual APR of the loan will be dependent on individual customer credit and history, and neither Bank of America nor Tesla Motors can commit to an APR without a customer completing the loan application process.

That monthly payment is typical for high performance cars – but Roadster drivers will enjoy hundreds of dollars per month in savings unavailable to gas guzzlers. The Roadster, which gets an estimated 244 miles per charge, costs roughly $4 to refuel and does not require routine oil changes or exhaust system work. Unlike high-maintenance internal combustion engines, Teslas get a 100 percent waiver on sales, luxury and use taxes in at least four states, and they qualify for commuter lane privileges, free parking and free charging in many regions.

“This announcement will help advance EV adoption by allowing more Americans to experience the joy and convenience of owning a Tesla,” said Tesla CEO and Product Architect Elon Musk. “And like our current customers, our new customers will never need to visit a gas station again.”

Bank of America will directly finance, document and service Tesla vehicle loans for customers, providing a very easy online interface for these services. Financing is available for up to 75 percent of the total vehicle purchase price. All agreements and payments will be between the customer and Bank of America.

Financing is available to customers who meet Bank of America’s underwriting criteria. Bank of America offers a competitive loan-to-value ratio, annual percentage rate and term.

Prospective customers may complete documents at Tesla showrooms or online, including electronic signature and customer verification. Tesla customer service staff can assist with the application in a showroom or by telephone.

Tesla has delivered more than 500 Roadsters so far. This month Tesla began delivering the 2010 model-year Roadster and the all-new Roadster Sport, an even higher-performance EV. 

Tesla has showrooms in California and London. On Thursday, Tesla will open a regional sales and service center in New York. It’s also opening stores in Chicago, Seattle, Miami, Washington DC, Toronto, Monaco and Munich.

This announcement affects U.S. Roadster customers only. Tesla plans to offer financing for the Model S sedan closer to the anticipated start of production in late 2011.

Based in California’s Silicon Valley, Tesla Motors designs and manufactures electric vehicles with exceptional design, performance and efficiency, while conforming to all safety, environmental and durability standards. The Roadster, which has a 0-to-60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds and a base price of $101,500 after a $7,500 US federal tax credit, is the only highway-capable production EV for sale in North America or Europe. Tesla will begin production of the all-electric Model S family sedan in late 2011. Tesla is taking reservations for the sedan, which has an anticipated base price of $49,900 after the tax credit.

Sales contact:650-413-6300 www.teslamotors.com

June 23, 2009  

SAN CARLOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE) —Tesla Motors has received approval for about $465 million in low-interest loans from the US Department of Energy to accelerate the production of affordable, fuel-efficient electric vehicles.  

Tesla will use $365 million for production engineering and assembly of the Model S, an all-electric family sedan that carries seven people and travels up to 300 miles per charge.  

The Model S has an anticipated base price of $49,900 after a $7,500 US federal tax credit. It has lifetime ownership costs equivalent to a conventional car with a sticker price of $35,000, thanks to the lower cost of electricity vs. gasoline and a relative lack of service and maintenance. Tesla expects to start Model S production in late 2011 in a state-of-the-art assembly plant employing about 1,000 workers.  

Tesla will use $100 million for a powertrain manufacturing plant. The facility will supply all-electric powertrain solutions to other automakers, greatly accelerating the availability of mass-market EVs. The new facility will employ about 650 people.  

Tesla is in the final stages of negotiation for facilities in California. 

 The loans are part of the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Program, which provides incentives to new and established automakers to build more fuel-efficient vehicles. Created in 2007 and appropriated in September 2008, the $25 billion ATVM aims to reduce America’s dangerous dependence on foreign oil and create “green collar” jobs. The program is entirely unrelated to the stimulus package or the so-called “bailout” funds that General Motors and Chrysler have received.   

“Tesla will use the ATVM loan precisely the way that Congress intended -- as the capital needed to build sustainable transport,” said Tesla CEO and Product Architect Elon Musk. “We are honored that the US government selected Tesla to be among the first companies to participate in this progressive program.” 

 The Model S sedan features exceptional performance, styling and utility, with unrivaled cargo and passenger space. Its floor-mounted powertrain is the culmination of a half-decade of engineering in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley, where Tesla developed the Roadster.  

The highly acclaimed Roadster is the first production battery electric vehicle to travel more than 200 miles per charge and the first US- and EU-certified Lithium-Ion battery electric vehicle. With an estimated range of 244 miles per charge and zero tailpipe emissions, it’s the first production vehicle to offer supercar performance with a clean conscience. 

Tesla has never applied for federal funds for the Roadster, an American sports car that consumes no gasoline whatsoever. Tesla expects the Roadster business unit to be profitable in the third quarter. Privately held Tesla will finance sales and marketing for the Model S through private capital. 

Tesla has delivered more than 500 Roadsters to customers. Later this month, Tesla will begin delivering its second-generation Roadster and Roadster Sport, an even higher-performance vehicle. 

Teslas do not require routine oil changes or exhaust system work. They have far fewer moving (and breakable) parts than internal combustion engine vehicles. They qualify for federal and state tax credits, rebates, sales tax exemptions, free parking, commuter-lane passes and other perks. The Model S costs roughly $5 to drive 230 miles – a bargain even if gasoline were less than $1 per gallon. 

The Model S, which carries its charger onboard, can be recharged from any conventional outlet. Three battery pack choices will offer a range of 160, 230 or 300 miles per charge.  Tesla is taking reservations online and at its two showrooms in California.

Tesla will expand its network of showrooms this summer with stores in New York, Chicago, Seattle and Miami. Tesla will open its London showroom June 25, followed by Munich and Monaco. Additional stores will be opened in Washington DC and Toronto. 

WEST LOS ANGELES, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tesla Motors will host a road rally Saturday to commemorate the electric vehicle manufacturer’s 500th Roadster delivery and the one-year anniversary of its first retail store.

Several dozen Tesla owners are expected to participate in event, which will begin at 10 a.m. at Tesla’s showroom in West Los Angeles. Owners and their invited guests will then travel a scenic mountain route to Malibu for a barbecue at a Greener Pasture Ranch, a Tesla customer’s private home.

The 60-mile drive will likely be the largest gathering of Tesla Roadsters on public streets. It’s expected to attract eco-conscious sports car buffs, EV enthusiasts, and the elite Roadster Club members from the region.

It’s also an important customer appreciation event for Tesla, which delivered its 500th Roadster last weekend.

“People who buy Roadsters are getting a superlative sports car that drives more like a performance jet than a car – and they are supporting a new American automaker committed to building well designed, high performance vehicles with a level of efficiency far greater than any other automaker in the world,” said Jeremy Snyder, Tesla’s General Manager for the South Western Territory. “We’re hosting this event to say thank you to our owners and stay engaged with our passionate community of customers.”

In addition to the West Los Angeles store, which opened a year ago, Tesla has a showroom in Menlo Park, Calif., in the heart of Silicon Valley. The company is scheduled to open regional sales and service centers this summer in New York, Chicago, London, Seattle, Miami, Washington, Monaco and Munich.

San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla is the only production automaker selling highway-capable EVs in the United States or Europe. The Roadster beats nearly every other car in acceleration yet is twice as energy efficient as a Toyota Prius. It costs roughly $4 to refuel and can be completely recharged in as little as 3.5 hours.

About Tesla Motors:

Based in California’s Silicon Valley, Tesla Motors builds electric vehicles with exceptional design, performance and efficiency, while conforming to all North American and European safety, environmental and durability standards. The Roadster, which has a 0-to-60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds, is six times as efficient as rival sports cars and has a range of 244 miles per charge. Winner of the 2009 Globe Award for environmental sustainability, Tesla expects to produce the Model S sedan in late 2011. The anticipated base price of the sedan will be $49,900 after a $7,500 US tax credit.

Martin Tuchman, former chairman and CEO of Interpool, is chairman of The Tuchman Foundation and a board member of The Parkinson's Alliance and Parkinson's Disease Foundation of Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York. He plans to charge his Roadster partly with solar energy thanks to photovoltaic panels he helped install throughout his hometown of Kingston, NJ.

“My Roadster drives like a dream -- it’s amazing,” said Tuchman, a former automotive engineer and owner of a 1967 Mercedes 250 and a 1993 Jaguar convertible. Tuchman converted his 1937 Chris-Craft into an electric boat so he could take it on nearby Lake Carnegie, which prohibits gas-powered boats. He plans to use his Roadster as his primary commuter car.

Tuchman took delivery of a Twilight Blue Roadster last weekend, a few weeks before the anticipated opening of a Tesla showroom in New York’s Chelsea Art District. Greater New York is Tesla’s largest market outside of California, and local EV owners enjoy numerous incentives.

Zero-emission vehicles are exempt from New Jersey sales, use and luxury taxes. Single occupants of alternative-fuel vehicles may also use the high-occupancy commuter lanes on the New Jersey Turnpike. These incentives are on top of a $7,500 US federal tax credit, which fully applies to all Tesla Roadsters.

Tesla will also soon be opening stores in Chicago, London, Seattle, Miami, Washington, Monaco and Munich. Tesla will begin deliveries in Europe this summer.

San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla is the only production automaker selling highway-capable EVs in the United States or Europe. The Roadster beats nearly every other car for acceleration yet is twice as energy efficient as a Toyota Prius. It costs roughly $4 to refuel and can be completely recharged in as little as 3.5 hours.

Michael van der Sande, Tesla Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Service and Marketing, called the 500th delivery an important symbol for the world’s newest production automaker.

“We now have more than 500 real-world customers providing valuable feedback on our cars and contributing to Tesla’s spirit of continuous improvement,” van der Sande said. “We intend to leverage our first-mover advantage and continue to build brand loyalty for years – from our 500th to our 500,000th delivery.”

About Tesla Motors:

Based in California’s Silicon Valley, Tesla Motors builds electric vehicles with exceptional design, performance and efficiency, while conforming to all North American and European safety, environmental and durability standards. The Roadster, which has a 0-to-60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds, is the only highway-capable EV for sale in North America or Europe. It is six times as efficient as rival sports cars and has a range of 244 miles per charge. Tesla expects to produce the Model S sedan in late 2011. The anticipated base price of the sedan will be $49,900 after a $7,500 US tax credit.

May 12, 2009

SAN CARLOS, Calif. – (BUSINESS WIRE) — Tesla Motors surpassed 1,000 reservations for the Model S, an all-electric family sedan that carries up to seven people and travels up to 300 miles per charge.

Tesla launched the car March 26, and reservations immediately began streaming in online and at showrooms in California. The anticipated base price of the Model S is $49,900 after a federal tax credit. The $5,000 reservation fee is refundable.

But sticker price is only one part of a car’s total cost of ownership. If you account for the much lower cost of electricity vs. gasoline at a likely future cost of more than $5 per gallon, the Model S is equivalent to a gasoline car with a sticker price of about $30,000, such as a Ford Taurus, Honda Accord or even a Toyota Avalon or BMW 3-Series. Those savings are realized immediately if you lease a Model S, so there is no need wait years to earn back the price difference.

“The Model S is a better value than much cheaper conventional cars,” said Tesla CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk. “Despite the enormous environmental benefits, lower total cost of ownership will soon become the primary motivation for consumers to evolve from gas guzzlers to EVs.”

Performance with a Clean Conscience

Tesla is the only production automaker selling highway-capable EVs in North America or Europe. With 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, the Roadster outperforms almost all sports cars in its class, yet is more than twice as energy efficient as a Toyota Prius and delivers 244 miles per charge – the only car that offers performance with a clean conscience.

Tesla has delivered more than 400 Roadsters to customers so far. The base price of the Roadster is $101,500 after a $7,500 federal tax credit.

The Roadster has a far lower cost of ownership than comparably priced sports cars -- even after factoring in a battery pack replacement. The lower cost of electricity vs. gasoline, the relative lack of maintenance on an EV, and state and federal tax incentives may result in lifetime savings of at least $26,000 compared with a similarly priced gasoline sports car. The Roadster also liberates owners from detours to the gas station and inconvenient trips to the mechanic for routine oil changes, exhaust system repairs and other internal combustion engine maintenance.

“Some Roadster customers are sports car enthusiasts. Some are environmentalists. Some care about energy security. All are discriminating and value conscious consumers,” Musk said. “Now we’re seeing the same attributes in customers who opt for the Model S. People who drive Teslas refuse to compromise on value, performance or efficiency.”

About Tesla Motors

San Carlos, California-based Tesla Motors designs and manufactures electric vehicles with exceptional design, performance and efficiency, while conforming to all North American and European safety, environmental and durability standards. The Roadster, which has a 0-to-60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds, is the only highway-capable production EV for sale in North America and Europe. Tesla expects to begin producing the Model S sedan in late 2011.

CONTACT:

Rachel Konrad
Tesla Motors, Inc.
+1 (650) 701-2664
rachel@teslamotors.com

The London facility will open this spring at 49-51 Cheval Place, formerly the Segrave Supercar Club. The showroom is in the popular Knightsbridge district, walking distance from Harrods department store and convenient to Heathrow Airport.

Tesla is scouting sites in Munich and Monaco. Tesla will begin delivering cars to European customers in late June. These cars will comply with all EU safety, environmental and durability regulations.

“We expect that Tesla sales will eventually be split evenly between the US and Europe,” said Tesla CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk. “Opening three Tesla stores in Europe this year is a critical part of that plan.”

Greater London is a key customer market and premier showcase for Tesla – not only for the Roadster sports car but the Model S sedan, which Tesla expects to produce in 2011. The Model S, which will be among the world’s first mass-produced, highway-capable EVs, will carry five adults and two children up to 480 kilometers per charge.

London Mayor Boris Johnson, a fan of the Roadster, said Wednesday he hoped to introduce 100,000 EVs and to build 25,000 charging stations in the capital. Prime Minister Gordon Brown – also familiar with Tesla – said EVs would be one cornerstone of his economic recovery plan.

Teslas qualify for a $7,500 US federal tax credit and enjoy incentives in several European countries and cities, including waivers of luxury tax, reductions in VAT, free parking and free charging. In London, Teslas are exempt from the congestion charge, a saving of up to £2,000 per year for commuters.

Tesla’s first showrooms opened last summer in Los Angeles and Menlo Park, Calif. Tesla will open another store this spring in Chicago. Tesla is finalizing site selection in Manhattan, Miami and Seattle and is scouting sites in Washington, D.C.

Tesla launched the car March 26, and orders immediately began streaming in online and at showrooms in California. Tesla plans to open stores in Chicago, London, New York, Miami, Seattle, Washington DC and Munich this year.
“Frankly the number of cars reserved in the first week has exceeded our optimistic internal projections,” said Tesla CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk. “Enthusiasm surrounding the Model S is proof that there’s pent-up demand for more affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles – including those made in America.”

The Model S will likely be the world’s first mass-produced, highway-capable electric vehicle when production begins in late 2011. The company has applied for a $350 million loan from the Department of Energy’s Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Program, which would be used to build the Model S assembly plant in California.

The East Coast premier of the Model S is tonight at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. The drivable prototype also will be shown in New York, Chicago, Miami and Seattle this spring and summer.

The Model S does 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, and will have an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. A 17-inch touchscreen with in-car 3G connectivity means you can listen to Pandora Radio or consult Google Maps, or check the car’s state of charge remotely on  your iPhone.

The anticipated base price of the Model S is $49,900 after a federal tax credit of $7,500. The $5,000 reservation fee is refundable, and the car is a better value than far cheaper cars.

If you account for the much lower cost of electricity vs. gasoline at a likely future cost of over $4 per gallon, the Model S is equivalent to buying a gasoline car with a sticker price of about $35,000, such as a Ford Taurus.  Importantly, those savings are realized immediately if you lease a Model S, so there is no need wait years to earn back the price difference.

Three battery pack choices will offer a range of 160, 230 or 300 miles per charge. The company has not released options pricing. 

Tesla also is taking reservations for the Model S Signature Edition with a $40,000 reservation fee. Tesla will produce only 2,000 Signature Edition cars, which will be the first built and have unique interior and exterior features. Signature Edition cars will be evenly split between US and European customers.

Proven Technology

Tesla is the only production automaker selling highway-capable EVs in North America or Europe today. With 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, the Roadster outperforms almost all sports cars in its class, yet is more than twice as energy efficient as a Toyota Prius and delivers 244 miles per charge.

Tesla delivered 104 Roadsters to customers in March, marking the first triple-digit delivery month in the company’s history. Tesla delivered over 170 cars in the first quarter – more than the total delivered in 2008.

Tesla has delivered about 320 Roadsters so far. The base price of the Roadster is $101,500 after a $7,500 federal tax credit.

Teslas do not require routine oil changes, and have far fewer moving (and breakable) parts than internal combustion engine vehicles. They qualify for federal and state tax credits, rebates and sales tax exemptions. The Roadster costs roughly $4 to drive more than 240 miles – a bargain even if gasoline were less than $1 per gallon.

Tesla plans to introduce more affordable cars and partner with other automakers to help them produce mass-market EVs. Tesla announced in January it is partnering with Daimler AG to produce the battery packs and chargers for at least 1,000 Smart EVs.

“Tesla is relentlessly driving down the cost of battery technology – similar to what other technology companies did to make cellular phones and laptop computers low-cost commodities,” Musk said. 

Tesla’s first showrooms opened last summer in Los Angeles and Menlo Park, Calif. After Chicago, Tesla plans to open a store in London, U.K. It is finalizing site selection in Manhattan, Miami and Seattle and is scouting sites in Washington, D.C. and Munich, Germany.

“People in Chicago will soon see how the Tesla retail experience is vastly different from that of a traditional dealership,” said Michael van der Sande, Tesla’s Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Marketing and Service. “Tesla’s cars are unique, and the look and feel of our stores reinforce the close connection we have with our customers.”

Tesla is the only production automaker selling highway-capable EVs in the United States. The Tesla Roadster beats nearly every other car for acceleration yet is twice as energy efficient as a Toyota Prius. With an EPA-estimated range of 244 miles per charge, it costs roughly $4 to refuel and can be completely recharged in as little as 3.5 hours.

The Tesla Roadster has far fewer moving (and breakable) parts and requires less maintenance than an internal combustion engine vehicle. Tesla requests that owners bring in the car – which never needs oil changes or exhaust system tune-ups, among other costly repairs -- every 12,000 miles or once a year for a diagnostic check and software upgrade.

Tesla will unveil a prototype sedan March 26. The Model S will be an all-electric, zero-emission four-door with an anticipated base price of $57,400. After a federal tax credit of $7,500, the effective price should be less than $50,000. Because of tax incentives and relatively inexpensive maintenance and refueling, the lifetime ownership cost will be much lower than luxury cars with similar sticker prices.

“Tesla has no intention of being a niche automaker,” said Tesla CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk. “The Chicago store will introduce the company to even more people in the United States and position us to launch a more affordable sedan for mainstream drivers.”

About Tesla Motors

San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla Motors Inc. designs and manufactures electric vehicles with exceptional design, performance and efficiency, while conforming to all North American and European safety, environmental and durability standards. The Roadster, which has a 0-to-60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds and a base price of $109,000, is the only highway-capable production EV for sale in North America and Europe. Tesla expects to begin producing the all-electric, zero-emission Model S sedan in late 2011. Please visit www.teslamotors.com.

Financing Will Accelerate Roadster Manufacturing and Expand Powertrain Supply Business

SAN CARLOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The board of directors of Tesla Motors Inc., the nation’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, has approved $40 million in convertible debt financing, based on commitments from almost all current major investors. The round will also be open to smaller current investors.

The financing will be used primarily to accelerate manufacturing of the Tesla Roadster, an all-electric, high performance sports car. In addition, the funds will be used to expand Tesla’s electric powertrain supply business and continue future product development.

“Forty million is significantly more than we need,” said Elon Musk, Tesla Chairman, CEO and Product Architect. “However, the board, investors and I felt it was important to have significant cash reserves.”

Tesla has delivered more than 50 Roadsters to customers so far and is now in regular production at a rate of ten cars per week, rising to thirty cars per week early next year. More than 1,200 people have placed a deposit for the Roadster, on sale now in the United States and Europe. The Roadster’s 2008 model year production run is sold out, and the company is currently taking orders for the 2009 model year.

Tesla Motors develops and manufactures all-electric, zero-emission vehicles with exceptional design, performance and efficiency. The Roadster, which conforms to all U.S. and E.U. safety and durability standards, is the only highway-capable production electric car of any kind for sale in the United States or Europe.

With a 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds and a 14,000 rpm redline, the Roadster delivers super car performance with far more energy efficiency than compact hybrids. Tesla also plans to begin manufacturing a four-door, five-passenger, all-electric, zero-emission luxury sedan in 2011. For more information, visit www.teslamotors.com.

SAN CARLOS, Calif., Sep 09, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Tesla Motors Inc. has selected BorgWarner Inc. for the production of a single-speed gearbox for the Tesla Roadster and is initiating a ramped-up production rate. So far, 27 customers have taken delivery of Roadsters.

Tesla engineers developed the specifications for the new gearbox and provided them to BorgWarner. The new gearbox is an integral part of an enhanced powertrain with significant performance and efficiency improvements. The new powertrain delivers about 30% higher motor torque on a single gear ratio, and it achieves a 10% higher EPA combined range.

"Last December, when the two-speed transmission designed by a previous supplier proved not to be durable, we announced we would modify our approach," said JB Straubel, Chief Technology Officer of Tesla Motors. "By using a more powerful inverter and an enhanced motor design, we were able to implement a single-speed gearbox and still achieve our original performance goals. In fact, the new setup is superior in almost every way."

The new gearbox is designed for the higher peak torque levels of the new Roadster powertrain, which has increased from 286 Newton-meters (211 foot-pounds) to 380 Newton-meters (280 foot-pounds). The new powertrain achieves an EPA combined range of 244 miles on a single charge, up from Tesla's previously announced EPA range of 221 miles.

Production of Tesla Roadsters began in March, and the first vehicles were built with an interim transmission design. Customers who own Roadsters with the interim transmission can have their powertrain upgraded free of charge.

Tesla Motors starts production of 10 new Roadsters each week. Customers typically take delivery four to six weeks after production begins. The company expects production starts to ramp up to at least 20 vehicles per week within a few months and 40 per week by early 2009.

"Successfully implementing the new gearbox in less than a year was an incredible technical challenge and huge accomplishment for Tesla's engineers," said Ze'ev Drori, Chief Executive Officer of Tesla Motors. "Now that we have a final powertrain design, in a matter of months there will be hundreds of Tesla Roadsters across the country. We're heralding nothing less than a new era of the automobile."

About Tesla Motors

Tesla Motors develops and manufactures electric vehicles with exceptional design, performance and efficiency, while conforming to all U.S. safety, environmental and durability standards. The Tesla Roadster is the only highway-capable production electric car of any kind for sale in the United States. With a 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds, a 14,000 rpm redline, and the fastest top gear acceleration of any production car tested by Car & Driver magazine in 2007, the Tesla Roadster is unique in providing super car performance, zero emissions and extraordinary efficiency. For more information, visit www.teslamotors.com.

SAN CARLOS, CA – Franz von Holzhausen, former Director of Design for Mazda North America, has joined Tesla Motors as Chief Designer. In addition to driving the design direction of Tesla Motors in the short term, Franz is charged with building a world class design competency at Tesla Motors.

Franz will report to Elon Musk, Chairman and Product Architect of Tesla Motors. “Tesla is about stunning design, combined with breakthrough technology and fantastic service.  Those three in combination are what will make us a great company.  Franz is joining Tesla with the mission to build the world’s leading automotive design studio,” said Elon.

In his previous role, Franz led the design and development of concept and production cars for Mazda North America, including the acclaimed Nagare and Furai concept cars. Previously, he served as design manager for General Motors where he worked on the concept and production design of the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Skye, among other projects. Franz is a graduate of the Art Center College of Design.

“Tesla is changing the paradigm,” said Franz “we’re going to turn the world on its ear and create high demand through design. There is a new hunger in the air for automotive design and looking to where automobiles are going in the future. Tesla will capture this through good design and engineering.”

Franz von Holzhausen is the third recent addition of auto industry veterans to the Tesla Motors management team. In July, Tesla announced the appointment of Mike Donoughe, a former VP engineering from Chyrsler LLC, as EVP Vehicle Engineering and Manufacturing. Earlier this week, Tesla announced that Deepak Ahuja, a former Ford finance executive, joined Tesla as Chief Financial Officer.

About Tesla Motors

Tesla Motors develops and manufactures electric vehicles with exceptional design, performance and efficiency, while conforming to all U.S. safety, environmental and durability standards. The Tesla Roadster is the only highway capable production electric car of any kind for sale in the United States.

With a 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds, a 14,000 rpm redline, and the fastest top gear acceleration of any production car tested by Car & Driver magazine in 2007, the Tesla Roadster is unique in providing super car performance, zero emissions and extraordinary efficiency. For more information, visit www.teslamotors.com.

SAN CARLOS, CA – Deepak Ahuja, a seasoned auto industry finance executive with 15 years experience at Ford Motor Company, has joined Tesla Motors as Chief Financial Officer.

Deepak was previously the controller for Ford’s small cars product development program, a strategic initiative to bring several fuel efficient cars to Ford’s lineup in the United States. Previously, Deepak was CFO for Ford of Southern Africa, a $3 Billion subsidiary where he oversaw the finance, legal and IT functions. Prior to that, Deepak served as CFO for Auto Alliance International, a joint venture between Ford and Mazda with over $4 billion in revenue.

“Deepak’s experience as CFO of multi-billion dollar business units with global sourcing and manufacturing operations makes him the ideal person to lead our finance organization through the company’s next period of rapid growth,” said Tesla CEO Ze’ev Drori. “The addition of another seasoned auto industry executive to the senior management team at Tesla demonstrates that Tesla is focused on combining the best of what Detroit and Silicon Valley has to offer in building the next great American automobile company.”

"The opportunity to work for the leading alternative energy automobile company in the world, and one with as strong a brand as Tesla, is very exciting.” said Deepak. “The team here has the vision, passion and the determination to make Tesla a driving force of change.”  

Deepak holds bachelors and masters degrees in Materials Engineering from Banaras Hindu University and Northwestern University, respectively and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University. Deepak, his wife and two daughters have moved from Michigan to Silicon Valley, where Deepak will work out of Tesla’s San Carlos headquarters.

Recently, Tesla Motors announced the appointment of auto industry veteran Mike Donoughe as EVP Vehicle Engineering and Manufacturing. The press release of the previous announcement can be found on Tesla’s website.

Click here for an image of Deepak Ahuja

About Tesla Motors

Tesla Motors develops and manufactures electric vehicles with exceptional design, performance and efficiency, while conforming to all U.S. safety, environmental and durability standards. The Tesla Roadster is the only highway capable production electric car of any kind for sale in the United States. 

With a 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds, a 14,000 rpm redline, and the fastest top gear acceleration of any production car tested by Car & Driver magazine in 2007, the Tesla Roadster is unique in providing super car performance, zero emissions and extraordinary efficiency. For more information, visit www.teslamotors.com.

SAN CARLOS -  JULY 22, 2008 – Tesla Motors, manufacturer of the breakthrough 100% electric Tesla Roadster, opened its second company-owned sales and service facility in Menlo Park, California today. The store is located at 300 El Camino Real, just north of the Stanford Shopping Center, downtown Palo Alto, and Stanford University.

The 40,000 square foot facility replicates the unique Tesla brand experience of the Los Angeles store on a larger scale. In addition to showcasing the Tesla Roadster in an inviting environment, the showroom is in part a museum exhibition, with several car models originally used for aerodynamic and styling studies, as well as the bonded aluminum frame of the Tesla on display.

The customer lounge features large windows offering a view into the service area, where Roadsters are currently being completed for delivery to customers, with the installation of the powertrain and final testing and quality checks.

“Tesla manufactures an extraordinary and unique car that defies convention. We are doing the same with our distribution and servicing strategy. Tesla is building its own stores to provide a unique, branded experience for Tesla customers and provide the highest level of service for our unique powertrain” said Darryl Siry, SVP of Global Sales, Marketing & Service. “We will continue to build our store network in the US and in Europe, focusing initially on key markets for the Tesla Roadster and then expanding over time to cover broader distribution of the ‘Model S’ Sedan.”

The Tesla Store Menlo Park is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10AM to 6PM and Sunday 12PM to 5PM. Test drives are available by appointment only.

Hi-Resolution Image of the Tesla Store Menlo Park

About Tesla Motors

Tesla Motors develops and manufactures electric vehicles with exceptional design, performance and efficiency, while conforming to all U.S. safety, environmental and durability standards. The Tesla Roadster is the only highway capable production electric car of any kind for sale in the United States. 

With a 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds, a 13,000 rpm redline, and the fastest top gear acceleration of any production car tested by Car & Driver magazine in 2007, the Tesla Roadster is unique in providing super car performance, zero emissions and extraordinary efficiency. For more information, visit www.teslamotors.com.

SAN CARLOS, CA – Mike Donoughe, a veteran auto industry executive, has joined Tesla Motors as Executive Vice President, Vehicle Engineering and Manufacturing. In this role, Mike will be responsible for manufacturing, supply chain, quality and operations for the company. In addition, Mike will oversee both the Roadster Program and the ‘Model S’ program, a 4 door, 5 passenger electric sports sedan.

Donoughe, 49, was previously Vice President of ‘Project D’ at Chrysler, where he led the redesign of their global mid-size vehicle portfolio. Mike spent 24 years at Chrysler, where he led various product creation efforts, including the Stow N Go minivans, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Ram programs. Mike also spent 3 years with Mercedes Benz in Stuttgart as Director of passenger car development, M and R Class, and is recognized as one of the top engineers in the auto industry.

“Mike is a very valuable addition to our leadership team. His track record, expertise and leadership will help Tesla as we prepare for significant growth.” said Tesla CEO Ze’ev Drori. “Mike’s immediate priorities are to ensure that production of the Tesla Roadster runs smoothly and efficiently and to drive the continued development of our next car, the ‘Model S’ a 4 door, 5 passenger sports sedan.”

"I joined the Tesla team because I am enthusiastic about Tesla's objective to integrate their disruptive EV technology into mainstream automobiles,” said Mike Donoughe, “Tesla is creating vehicles that appeal to customers looking for environmentally sound & energy efficient solutions without compromising on functionality and performance. I look forward to contributing to these efforts as a part of the Tesla team."

Mike has been married for over 26 years to Shelley and has 3 grown children - David (24), Kaitlin (22), and Kelly (21). Mike will be based at Tesla’s headquarters in San Carlos, CA.

Tesla Motors develops and manufactures electric vehicles with exceptional design, performance and efficiency, while conforming to all U.S. safety, environmental and durability standards. The Tesla Roadster is the only highway capable production electric car of any kind for sale in the United States. 

With a 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds, a 13,000 rpm redline, and the fastest top gear acceleration of any production car tested by Car & Driver magazine in 2007, the Tesla Roadster is unique in providing super car performance, zero emissions and extraordinary efficiency. For more information, visit www.teslamotors.com.

San Carlos, CA – Ze’ev Drori, CEO of Tesla Motors, and Governor Schwarzenegger announced today at a press conference at Tesla Motors headquarters that Tesla’s next product, a 4-door, 5-passenger sedan, will be manufactured at a facility in the state of California. 

Previously it had been announced that the sedan manufacturing facility was planned for Albuquerque, New Mexico. After a thorough review of the program, Tesla decided that it would be highly advantageous to build manufacturing facilities in close proximity to the engineering and research and development functions in Tesla’s San Carlos headquarters. Tesla’s battery pack, a critical component of the Tesla Roadster, is currently manufactured in California. Final assembly of the Tesla Roadster is also currently in California.

Governor Schwarzenegger and the state of California also made it clear that they wanted to keep Tesla manufacturing in California. “Today’s announcement is incredible news for California’s economy and its environment. If California was a baseball team this would be like winning the first round draft pick and recruiting a player who is a perfect fit on our roster because Tesla Motors and its all-electric cars belong in California,” enthused the Governor. 

Last week, the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA), approved a new program that exempts new Zero Emission Vehicle manufacturers from paying sales and use tax on the purchase of manufacturing equipment and will encourage ZEV manufacturing in California. Tesla will also be eligible for at least $1 million in Employment Training Panel Workforce Development Funds to train employees. 

“These vehicles can play a big part in helping California successfully implement its groundbreaking laws to fight climate change,” said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who chairs CAEATFA. “By offering this financial incentive, our goal is to ensure zero-emission vehicles realize their full potential in our state.  In the bargain, we believe the policy will bolster our emerging green economy, create good-paying jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. I’m very pleased the policy helped convince Tesla to build its high-performance electric cars in California.” 

Ze’ev Drori, President and CEO of Tesla Motors, remarked, “Tesla has achieved an extraordinary accomplishment. We are the only automobile company today delivering full performance battery-electric vehicles to our customers. Make no mistake - we are not a niche player with a car only for the rich and famous. As our agreement with the state so clearly demonstrates, we are building a high volume ZERO EMISSION VEHICLE, manufactured in California for mid-range family use. And we aren’t going to stop there. We will continue on and build even more affordable cars. You are witnessing the debut of a new car company, a company unlike all others, a company with a disruptive technology, a company dedicated for the exclusive production of Zero Emission Vehicles.”  

Tesla’s sedan, which is targeted for late 2010 production, will utilize Tesla Motors’ leading electric powertrain design in a car that is both stylish, high performance, yet highly practical. The exact location of the manufacturing facility within California will be decided soon.

Contacts:
Darryl Siry, Tesla Motors (650) 413-6260 or siry@teslamotors.com
Colette Niazmand, Tesla Motors, (650) 413-4009 or colette@teslamotors.com

Tesla Motors develops and manufactures electric vehicles with exceptional design, performance and efficiency, while conforming to all U.S. safety, environmental and durability standards. The Tesla Roadster is the only highway capable production electric car of any kind for sale in the United States. 

With a 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds, a 13,000 rpm redline, and the fastest top gear acceleration of any production car tested by Car & Driver magazine in 2007, the Tesla Roadster is unique in providing super car performance, zero emissions and extraordinary efficiency. For more information, visit www.teslamotors.com.

Mr. Sonsini has gained international recognition for his expertise in the areas of corporate law, corporate governance, securities, and mergers and acquisitions. He has been instrumental in many of the IPOs, mergers, acquisitions, and other key transactions of Silicon Valley and beyond, including Google's historic IPO and Hewlett-Packard's merger with Compaq Computer.

In addition to his duties at his firm, which included serving as chief executive officer as well as chairman for more than 20 years, Larry was a member of the board of directors of the New York Stock Exchange from 2001 to 2003, and served for more than five years as Chairman of the NYSE Regulation, enforcement and Listing Standards Committee.

Larry is one of the country’s best-known governance experts. In addition to serving on a number of public company boards, he was named “one of the most influential players in U.S. corporate governance” by Directorship magazine, recognized as Business Leader of the Year by the Harvard Business School Association of Northern California, and received the Bay Area Council’s Business Hall of Fame award.

Larry joined Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati in 1966 upon receiving his J.D. from Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, Berkeley. He also received an A.B. from UC Berkeley in 1963. Larry was admitted to the California Bar in 1966.

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has since grown into the premier legal advisor to technology and growth companies worldwide, advising over 300 public enterprises on issues of corporate law, securities and corporate governance. In the past 5 years, the firm has advised clients on over 350 public offerings, more than any other law firm worldwide. In addition, the firm has completed over 400 public equity and debt financings and advised on more than 1,000 M&A transactions.

“Larry Sonsini has played a role in building and advising some of the most successful companies in existence today,” said Elon Musk, Chairman of Tesla Motors, “His guidance will be invaluable as Tesla Motors drives forward the electric transport revolution and grows to become one of the great car companies of the 21st century.”

Laurie Yoler, who has served on the Tesla Motors Board of Directors since the company’s founding, will transition to the Tesla Motors Advisory Board.

The Tesla Roadster, a groundbreaking electric car that delivers super car performance with zero emissions and extreme energy efficiency, can now be reserved by European customers for delivery starting in the Spring of 2009.

Production of 250 special edition euro-spec Roadsters will be allocated for the entire EU region for 2009. This special edition, fully loaded car is priced at 99,000 Euro (excluding VAT) and will be offered on a first come, first served basis. Residents in the EU and UK can reserve a car by contacting Tesla at eurosales@teslamotors.com or calling +1 650-413-6200.

The Tesla Roadster went into production in the U.S. on March 17, 2008. Over 1000 U.S. customers have reserved a Tesla Roadster. While U.S. demand is likely to exceed production capacity in 2009, this special allocation of 250 euro-spec roadsters will be reserved for the first European customers.

Tesla Motors Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Service, Darryl Siry, talked about Tesla’s expansion plans and the attractiveness of the European market on the company blog at http://www.teslamotors.com/blog3/?p=75 , stating “since we launched the Tesla Roadster in the US, there has been extraordinary interest from European customers and media. Now that we are in production, we are excited to offer this groundbreaking car to Europeans who want to be the first on the continent to drive a car with extraordinary performance, beautiful styling, and zero emissions.”

The first official display of the Tesla Roadster in Europe will be at the Top Marques Monaco event from April 24^th through April 27^th. Information on the event can be found at http://www.topmarquesmonaco.com. Tesla officials will be on hand to greet customers and media.

San Carlos, Calif. – (March 24, 2008) -- On March 27, 2008 the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will meet in Sacramento to review the recently proposed changes to the California Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Regulation as reflected in the staff’s Initial Statement of Reasons (ISOR) dated February 8, 2008.

If adopted as proposed, key provisions of the ISOR would needlessly weaken the intended purpose of the ZEV Regulation, rather than “strengthen the overall objective of the program” and “maintain pressure on the commercialization of PURE ZEV technologies,” as CARB has publicly committed to doing.

Furthermore, many of the recommendations in the ISOR are misguided; for example, concluding that “given the current state of battery technology staff doesn’t anticipate that manufacturers will produce any battery powered EV prior to 2012.” On the contrary, on March 17, 2008, Tesla Motors began production of the Tesla Roadster, an EPA, DOT, NHTSA and CARB certified zero emission, full performance, battery-powered electric vehicle.

Tesla Motors president and CEO, Ze’ev Drori, addressed these issues in a detailed letter to CARB Chairman, Mary Nichols. This letter can be read on the Tesla blog at http://www.teslamotors.com/blog2/?p=58.

About Tesla Motors

Tesla Motors develops and manufactures electric vehicles with exceptional design, performance and efficiency, while conforming to all U.S. safety, environmental and durability standards. The Tesla Roadster is the only highway capable production electric car of any kind for sale in the United States.

With a 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds, a 13,000 rpm redline, and the fastest top gear acceleration of any production car tested by Car & Driver magazine in 2007, combined with an EPA rating of 135 MPG equivalent, the Tesla Roadster is unique in providing super car performance at twice the energy efficiency of the best hybrids.

First unveiled as a prototype on July 19^th, 2006, the revolutionary Tesla Roadster generated an extraordinary response from people everywhere who were inspired by the vision that beautiful, high performance cars could generate zero-emissions and burn no oil.

Less than 2 years later, this vision has become a reality as Tesla Motors begins production of this breakthrough electric vehicle. The 2008 model year is sold out and Tesla is currently taking reservations for the 2009 model year Tesla Roadster. To date, over 900 Tesla Roadsters have been reserved in total.

Through the course of development of the Roadster, Tesla Motors has established a leadership position in EV technology which it plans to extend over the next years, leading to the introduction of its next model, a five passenger sports sedan, in 2010.

Tesla Motors president and CEO, Ze’ev Drori, comments further on this important milestone on the corporate blog at http://www.teslamotors.com/blog2/?p=57 .

Tesla Motors develops and manufactures electric vehicles with exceptional design, performance and efficiency, while conforming to all U.S. safety, environmental and durability standards. The Tesla Roadster is the only highway capable production electric car of any kind for sale in the United States.

With a 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds, a 13,000 rpm redline, and the fastest top gear acceleration of any production car tested by Car & Driver magazine in 2007, combined with an EPA rating of 135 MPG equivalent, the Tesla Roadster is unique in providing super car performance at twice the energy efficiency of the best hybrids. For more information, visit www.teslamotors.com.

• Tesla Motors has received all regulatory approvals to import the first production Tesla Roadster (“P1”) for sale. This includes all necessary EPA and DOT approvals, including completion of all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS.)
• P1 will arrive at Tesla Motors headquarters next week for delivery to customer Elon Musk, Chairman of Tesla Motors.
• Series production of the Tesla Roadster is scheduled to begin March 17th, 2008.

• As communicated previously, early production units will be equipped with an interim transmission that meets durability requirements but limits acceleration to 5.7 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.
• Separately, Tesla Motors engineers have designed a permanent solution for mass production that supports the original specification of 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds.
• The planned solution has some very positive benefits for our customers. Instead of a complex 2-speed transmission design, Tesla will achieve the original performance goals with a simpler one-speed unit mated to a higher rated Power Electronics Module (PEM.) The existing motor will be modified to have advanced cooling capabilities to handle the additional power. The permanent transmission unit will be engineered to handle the higher torque of the powertrain.
• The planned solution reduces program risk, provides better efficiency, lower weight, equal or better range, better thermal performance and quicker quarter mile acceleration due to the elimination of the need to shift gears.
• The planned solution incorporates the latest developments of our powertrain team which has been continually improving on Tesla’s core technology.
• Early production will proceed at a limited rate and then ramp up to full production when the permanent powertrain solution is production ready later this year.
• The upgrade from the interim solution to the higher power, permanent solution will be provided to our customers free of charge when available later this year.

Ze’ev Drori, incoming President and CEO of Tesla Motors, commented, “As I join Tesla Motors, it is extraordinary to see what has been accomplished in such a short time by Martin Eberhard and the employees of this company. As an entrepreneur, I deeply appreciate the hard work and passion that goes into founding a company and building something from nothing. I admire Martin’s tremendous vision and skills and wish him the very best.”

• Michael Marks, CEO of Tesla Motors, has established a production goal of 50 cars in the first quarter of 2008, followed by an additional 600 cars for the remainder of the year.
• Tesla has been engaging in intensive durability and validation testing of final prototype cars (known as “validation prototypes.”)
• This production schedule provides the opportunity to ensure that the all aspects of the production cars meet the level of quality and reliability that is expected when shipped to customers.
• As part of this final testing, a Tesla Roadster ran for 245 miles on the combined EPA cycle on a single charge (235 on the EPA highway cycle, 255 on the EPA city cycle.)
• Separately, a validation prototype Tesla Roadster successfully passed static and dynamic side-intrusion crash tests, the only tests that were not passed in the earlier prototype phase.
• In other performance testing, a validation prototype Tesla Roadster accelerated consistently from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds.
• Tesla Motors has initiated a unique program, inviting customers to participate in durability and validation testing by road-testing our validation prototypes and providing feedback to marketing and engineering teams. Customers have shared their feedback on the Tesla Motors blog and with other customers in a members-only online forum.
• Tesla will stop taking reservations for 2008 Roadsters in the near future and initiate a traditional waiting list. Customers who sign up for the waiting list will pay $5,000 for their place in line for additional 2008 Roadsters if and when an increase in production is announced. Alternatively, customers on the waiting list will be first in line for the 2009 model year Roadster (pricing and specifications for 2009 Roadsters is not yet announced.)

• The announcement of this production schedule represents a change from the previously stated goal of fall 2007. In the last letter to customers in August, former CEO Martin Eberhard indicated that the production schedule was subject to successful completion of crash testing and durability testing. This new schedule represents the decision to continue with additional durability and validation testing prior to start of production and shipping of cars to customers.
• In an announcement earlier this year, Tesla notified customers that the EPA range of the car was not likely to reach the original goal of 250, and instead would be closer to 200 miles based on progress at that time. Since then, Tesla engineers have worked diligently to improve on this critical performance metric, and the results of the effort over the last months have been extraordinary.
• The EPA cycle test result was observed by CARB (California Air Resources Board) staff and is expected to be formally certified by EPA in the near future, as is standard procedure.
• The range of the Tesla Roadster is by far the highest range ever achieved by a production EV. The next closest was the 1999 EV1 using nickel metal-hydride batteries, which achieved a 140 mile range rating. No other EV currently being developed has completed an official test for range using the EPA standard protocols.
• Acceleration testing was performed by Tesla staff using GPS instrumentation with traction control on. Additional testing is planned with third parties in the near future.

• A blog by Tesla engineer Andrew Simpson on the range and performance testing can be found at the following link: http://www.teslamotors.com/blog4/?p=60
• Blogs featuring unedited writeups of our customers’ experiences driving the Tesla Roadster can be found at http://www.teslamotors.com/blog5/?p=55
• Tesla Motors CEO Michael Mark’s letter to customers can be found on the Tesla Motors website at http://www.teslamotors.com
• Additional information on EPA range testing procedures for the Tesla Roadster can be found on the following blog, published last May on the Tesla website : http://www.teslamotors.com/blog4/?p=57

SAN FRANCISCO (Sept. 12, 2007) – Pacific Gas and Electric Company today announced it has partnered with Tesla Motors to further evolve vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology by researching smart charging – a form of V2G designed to allow remote control charging of electric vehicles connected to the power grid. The project partnership will combine Tesla Motors’ leading electric vehicle expertise with PG&E’s electric infrastructure experience to explore the ancillary grid benefits of remote charging.

“V2G technology is one of the most promising solutions to help meet our growing energy needs while reducing the transportation sector’s impact on the environment”, said Brad Whitcomb, vice president of customer products and services for PG&E. “By teaming up with Tesla, we are taking another key step to bring V2G’s benefits to our customers.”

“We are focusing our initial V2G implementation on smart charging,” said JB Straubel, Chief Technology Officer, Tesla Motors. “Smart charging is a form of V2G in which the vehicle does not provide power back to the grid. Instead, the vehicle charging rate is controlled remotely in order to support the operation of the grid or to best match load to the availability of intermittent renewable energy resources such as wind and solar. Tesla Motors’ goal in developing V2G is to eventually provide our customers with an option that could reduce their cost of electricity for vehicle charging while supporting greater penetration of renewable energy on the grid.”

Using the all-electric Tesla Roadster, PG&E will demonstrate smart charging, which allows remote access to the electric vehicle’s charging power level through communication with the utility. Tesla Motors will work with PG&E to equip a demonstration Roadster with the communications technology that enables intelligent charging. PG&E will also install monitoring equipment at the auto manufacturer’s San Carlos location for testing purposes.

V2G technology allows for the bi-directional transfer of electricity between Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Plug-in Electric Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) and the electric power grid. The technology turns each vehicle into a remotely-controllable energy storage system. If deployed on a wide scale, V2G has the potential to provide a large remotely-controllable energy storage resource that can support a greater share of electricity generation from intermittent renewable resources.

V2G is conventionally considered as the delivery of power from a vehicle back to the power grid. However, vehicles can also provide useful services to the grid even without delivering power back to the grid. For example, by allowing the vehicle charging rate to be ramped up and down remotely through smart metering a vehicle can perform a grid ancillary service called regulation. Regulation is currently performed 24/7 by power plants in order to fine tune the balance between generation and load.

If this demonstration project is successful, and smart charging is deployed on a wider scale, it is expected to be interfaced with PG&E’s SmartMeter technology, which continually reads circuits and electric meter usage and has the ability to provide financial incentives to customers who voluntarily shift electricity usage away from critical peaks.

In addition to partnering with Tesla on V2G research, PG&E is working with the auto manufacturer to support the installation of Tesla Motors’ charging stations into their customers’ homes or businesses. PG&E is working with Tesla Motors to ensure proper connection in its customers’ homes within the utility’s northern and central California service territory and advising the auto manufacturer on its collaboration with utilities nationwide.

PG&E became the first utility in the nation to publicly demonstrate the possibility of electric vehicles to supply homes and business with electricity at a Silicon Valley Leadership Group event in April 2007. More recently, PG&E shared this technical expertise with Google in June 2007 to upgrade a number of company-owned Toyota Prius PHEVs to be V2G capable for a demonstration at the search leader’s Mountain View campus.

PG&E’s PHEV/EV and V2G program is part of its broader strategy to develop innovative energy solutions that deliver the cleanest and most reliable power to its customers. In addition to its PHEV and dedicated electric vehicles, PG&E owns and operates a clean fuel fleet of fuel cell vehicles and more than 1,300 natural gas vehicles – the largest of its kind in the United States. PG&E’s clean fuel fleet consists of service and crew trucks, meter reader vehicles and pool cars that run either entirely on compressed natural gas or have bi-fuel capabilities. Over the last 15 years, PG&E’s clean fuel fleet has displaced over 3.4 million gallons of gasoline and diesel, and helped to avoid 6,000 tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.

Martin Eberhard, founder and CEO of Tesla Motors, will remain with the company as President of Technology and focus on the success of the Roadster program as well as the advancement of our core technologies.

Martin and the board have been planning for CEO succession since early this year, and will continue the search for a permanent CEO to lead Tesla Motors.

On behalf of the board, I want to thank Martin for his leadership of Tesla since its founding in 2003.

WHAT’S NEWS

• Rigorous U.N. Testing Protocol for the Tesla Roadster ESS (Energy Storage System) including:
• Altitude simulation
• Thermal cycling
• Vibration
• Shock
• External short circuit
• In demonstrating the safety of the large format battery pack, Tesla Motors has achieved another major milestone on the way to commencing deliveries of the 2008 Tesla Roadster to customers this fall.
• The ESS development program, which to date has spanned over three years, has included testing safety at both the micro (cell) and macro (module) levels. At the cell level, each of the 6,831 individual lithium ion cells inside the Tesla Roadster’s ESS has passed both UN and UL 1642 testing criteria.
• ESS development and testing was performed by the Tesla Energy Group within Tesla Motors. The advanced technologies developed over the last three years have positioned the Tesla Energy Group to develop and manufacture battery packs for third parties.

• Tesla Energy Group was formed in December of 2006 to develop and market custom designed battery packs for customers in a wide range of industries, utilizing Tesla’s patent pending technology for the development of high-power, high-capacity battery packs with superior performance and safety characteristics.
• Tesla Motors created Tesla Energy Group in response to demand from outside companies for advanced lithium-ion battery pack technology for automotive and other industrial use.
• Since its founding in 2003, Tesla Motors has developed patent pending technology for the design and manufacture of high-power, high-capacity lithium-ion battery packs with superior performance and safety characteristics for use in its groundbreaking Tesla Roadster high-performance electric car.
• The primary focus of Tesla Energy Group remains the development and mass production of battery packs for the Tesla Roadster, to be released later this Fall.
• The increased economies of scale and additional sources of revenue will benefit Tesla Motors by generating incremental operating income while accelerating its lead in the development of advanced lithium-ion battery packs.

• “In bringing an entirely new type of electric vehicle to market, we have focused closely on safety as one of the primary considerations in the design process.”
• “Rigorous testing by third party experts and regulatory bodies has provided Tesla Motors with invaluable technical feedback and a system of independent checks and balances. This exhaustive process has helped to ensure that the Roadster’s ESS has been critically examined both by our own engineers, as well as by objective experts outside of Tesla’s development team.”
• “As we begin final preparations for starting production of the 2008 Tesla Roadster, this milestone represents the culmination of many years of innovation, development, and progress in making safe and reliable electric vehicles that can replace gasoline engine cars. The purely electric car that was once dismissed as a vision of a distant future has now become a reality that drivers can expect to see on the road in the coming months.”

• Erik Toomre, Director of Manufacturing Programs, Blog on the U.N. Testing Program can be found at: http://www.teslamotors.com/blog2/.
• Tesla Motors CEO Martin Eberhard’s Blog on the Tesla Energy Group can be found at http://www.teslamotors.com/blog2/?p=50.
• A White Paper on Tesla Battery technology can be downloaded from our website at http://www.teslamotors.com/display_data/TeslaRoadsterBatterySystem.pdf.

• The Industrial Designer’s Society of America and BusinessWeek Magazine jointly recognized The 2008 Tesla Roadster with a Gold IDEA award.
• With more than 3,300 members and 28 chapters IDSA is the voice of the industrial design profession, advancing the quality and positive impact of design.
• In the same issue, BusinessWeek offers a comprehensive overview of Tesla Motors in the competitive landscape in an article entitled, “A Carmaker with Silicon Valley Spark.”

BACKGROUND: TESLA MOTORS

• Tesla Motors develops and manufactures vehicles that exemplify “Design, Performance, and Efficiency” while conforming to all U.S. safety, environmental, and durability standards.
• The Tesla Roadster, a stylish, high-performance, 100% electric sports car, accelerates to 60 mph in about 4 seconds and has a range of more than 200 miles on a single charge.
• Tesla Motors expects to start shipping Roadsters to customers this Fall.
• Tesla Motors was founded in July 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning to create efficient electric cars for people who love to drive.
• Tesla Motors currently employs more than 250 people, including teams in California, Michigan, the U.K. and Taiwan. For more information, visit www.teslamotors.com.
  

QUOTES

Attributable to Franco Lodato, Director Head, R&D Division, North American Region, Pininfarina Extra USA:

• “A high octane experience with low voltage rush. The Tesla Roadster represents the best mix of innovation, environmental care and style. Definitely the kind of products new consumers are willing to try.”
  

Attributable to Darryl Siry, Tesla Motors VP of Marketing, Sales and Service:

• “Tesla Motors is anchored on three brand attributes: Design, Performance, Efficiency. The design of the 2008 Roadster is a critical component of its success, and this recognition by the Industrial Designers Society of America represents a validation of our strategy in building the kind of car that allows consumers to indulge in their passion for motoring and while enjoying the image of a beautiful, highly efficient, emissions-free sports car.”
  

RELATED NEWS

• The IDSA winners can be viewed here: http://www.idsa.org/IDEA2007/gallery/index.htm
• David Welch’s article on Tesla Motors in Business Week can be found at: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_31/b4044419.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index_autos
  

MULTIMEDIA

Photos of the Tesla Roadster can be found at: http://www.teslamotors.com/styling/body.php
Discussion of Tesla Motors and the Tesla Roadster can be found at: http://www.teslamotors.com/blogs.php

TRADITIONAL PRESS RELEASE FORMAT BELOW:

The 2008 Tesla Roadster Wins Gold International Design Excellence Award (IDEA) Sponsored Jointly by Business Week Magazine and The Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA)

SAN CARLOS, Calif. -- (July 25, 2007) -- Tesla Motors, a manufacturer of high-performance electric cars, has received the Gold Award by the Industrial Designers Society of America and Business Week Magazine for International Design Excellence. With more than 3,300 members and 28 chapters IDSA is the voice of the industrial design profession, advancing the quality and positive impact of design.
“A high octane experience with low voltage rush. The Tesla Roadster represents the best mix of innovation, environmental care and style. Definitely the kind of products new consumers are willing to try,” said Franco Lodato, Director Head, R&D Division, North American Region, Pininfarina Extra USA.

This recognition of the Tesla Roadster’s design is a welcome point of recognition for Tesla’s core mission.

“Tesla Motors is anchored on three brand attributes: Design, Performance, Efficiency,” said Darryl Siry, Tesla Motors VP of Marketing, Sales, and Service, “The design of the 2008 Roadster is a critical component of its success, and this recognition by the Industrial Designers Society of America represents a validation of our strategy in building the kind of car that allows consumers to indulge in their passion for motoring and while enjoying the image of a beautiful, highly efficient, emissions-free sports car.”

In the same issue of Business Week in which the Gold Award was announced, an article entitled “A Carmaker with Silicon Valley Spark” offers a comprehensive look at Tesla Motors in the competitive landscape.

About Tesla Motors
Tesla Motors develops and manufactures vehicles that exemplify “Design, Performance, and Efficiency” while conforming to all U.S. safety, environmental, and durability standards. The Tesla Roadster, a stylish, high-performance, 100% electric sports car, accelerates to 60 mph in about 4 seconds and has a range of more than 200 miles on a single charge. Tesla Motors expects to start shipping Roadsters to customers this Fall. Tesla Motors was founded in July 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning to create efficient electric cars for people who love to drive. Tesla Motors currently employs more than 250 people, including teams in California, Michigan, the U.K. and Taiwan. For more information, visit www.teslamotors.com

• Tesla Motors 2008 Roadster Reservations now exceed 560 of a planned total 800 available Roadsters for the 2008 model year.
• Many customers buying the Roadster are currently hybrid car owners, particularly the Prius. These customers are motivated by the ability to have a beautiful, high performance sports car that is actually more than twice as energy efficient as a Prius.
• Many other customers are simply motivated by the extraordinary styling and performance characteristics of the car, and have chosen the Roadster over such cars as the Porsche 911 and BMW M6.

• Tesla Motors develops and manufactures vehicles that exemplify “Design, Performance, and Efficiency” while conforming to all U.S. safety, environmental, and durability standards.
• The Tesla Roadster, a stylish, high-performance, 100% electric sports car, accelerates to 60 mph in about 4 seconds and has a range of more than 200 miles on a single charge.
• Tesla Motors expects to start shipping Roadsters to customers this Fall.
• Tesla Motors was founded in July 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning to create efficient electric cars for people who love to drive.
• Tesla Motors currently employs more than 250 people, including teams in California, Michigan, the U.K. and Taiwan. For more information, visit www.teslamotors.com.

QUOTES

Attributable to Darryl Siry, VP of Sales, Marketing and Service at Tesla Motors:

• “We currently plan to produce 800 of the first model year Roadsters, and the fact that more than 560 are already accounted for demonstrates the tremendous demand for the 2008 Tesla Roadster.”
• “A strong motivation for many of our customers is the fact that the Roadster will be the only production car available that produces zero emissions, but the design and performance of the car are each a powerful draw on their own. We have had a number of recent buyers tell us that they were in the market for a performance car like a Porsche 911 or BMW M6 when they learned of the Tesla Roadster. These customers are choosing the Roadster over traditional sports car platforms with an understanding that the power delivery and handling dynamics of the Tesla Roadster are second to none.”
• “One common misconception is that because of the high performance aspects of the car, it must not be as efficient as hybrid models on the market, such as a Prius. This is actually not true – because of the unique all-electric design, the Roadster offers supercar performance yet is twice as energy efficient as the Prius. For affluent customers who want to make a statement about energy efficiency, the Roadster offers the opportunity to have the best of both worlds.”
  
• “Another strong motivation is that the first model year of any significant new platform tends to carry with it the thought that it may one day become a collectable. Certainly, with an all-new model from an all-new American car company and a revolutionary all-electric powertrain, there are a lot of customers interested in the 2008 Roadster as an instant classic with historical value.”
  

RELATED NEWS

David Vespremi’s Blog on the Driving Dynamics of the Tesla Roadster be found at http://www.teslamotors.com/blog3/?p=61.

MULTIMEDIA

Photos can be found at http://www.teslamotors.com

TRADITIONAL PRESS RELEASE FORMAT BELOW:

With more than 560 customers reserving 2008 Roadsters, Tesla closes in on planned production goal of 800 for the 2008 model year

SAN CARLOS, Calif. -- (May 25, 2007) -- Tesla Motors, a manufacturer of high-performance production electric cars, received $561,000 for the development of a UL approved 16 kw public charging station.

According to the 2007 CARB (California Air Resources Board) Alternative Fuel Incentive Program (AFIP) Proposal Solicitation: “Electric fuel vehicles have the largest potential to reduce climate change emissions and petroleum dependency relative to any other alternative fuel vehicle under consideration.”

Under the grant, the charging station technology developed by Tesla could be used to power up electric vehicles throughout the state of California. Other grant recipients include the University of California, Berkeley, the University of California, Davis and the Electric Power Research Institute.

“California has a long history of supporting green technology and encouraging automobile manufacturers to meet increasingly stringent vehicle emissions requirements,” said Diarmuid O’Connell, Director of Corporate Development at Tesla Motors, “This sizeable grant offered jointly by the California Air Resources Board and the California Energy Commission is a significant vote of confidence for Tesla Motors and acknowledges the pioneering work Tesla Motors is doing in the development of zero-emissions electric vehicles and charging station technology.”

Tesla Motors develops and manufactures vehicles that exemplify “Design, Performance, and Efficiency” while conforming to all U.S. safety, environmental and durability standards. The company has taken over 400 reservations for its first car, the Tesla Roadster, a stylish, high performance sports car that accelerates to 60 mph in about 4 seconds with extreme energy efficiency. Tesla expects to start shipping Tesla Roadsters to customers in the fall. Tesla Motors was founded in July 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning to create efficient electric cars for people who love to drive. Tesla Motors currently employs more than 200 people, including teams in California, Michigan, the U.K. and Taiwan. For more information, visit www.teslamotors.com.

SAN CARLOS, CALIF. (February 28, 2007) – Tesla Motors, the California-based manufacturer of high performance electric cars, has named Steve Westly to its board of directors.

Westly brings extensive accomplishments in public service and business leadership to the board, where he will help guide Tesla’s growth as a manufacturer of stylish, high performance, zero emissions and zero-oil electric vehicles.

As controller of the state of California, Westly was the Chief Financial Officer of the 6th largest economy in the world. He began his career in government in Washington, D.C., where he worked on Capitol Hill and for the U.S. Department of Energy under President Jimmy Carter.

In the private sector, Westly guided the online auction company eBay from start up to success, beginning as a founding member of the executive team and serving as Senior Vice President of Marketing, Business Development and International.

“We are delighted to have Steve Westly on board at Tesla Motors,” said Martin Eberhard, CEO. “Steve is a seasoned Silicon Valley executive with experience building great teams and taking companies public. He is an expert in the financial discipline and controls we need to build the world’s next great car company. Steve’s experience turning eBay into a global brand will also help Tesla in our goal of developing a successful global automobile brand.”

“Once in a generation a product comes along that can reshape the thinking of an entire industry,” said Westly. “Tesla will enable Americans to understand that a zero emission vehicle is not a dream, it’s a reality.”

Westly’s appointment to the board of directors is effective immediately. He joins Elon Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX and chairman of the board of directors; Martin Eberhard, co-founder and CEO of Tesla Motors; Jim Marver, co-founder and managing partner, VantagePoint Venture Partners; Kimbal Musk, CEO of Medium, Inc.; Simon Rothman, former global vice president and general manager for eBay Motors; and Laurie Yoler, a principal at GrowthPoint Technology Partners.

About Tesla Motors
Tesla Motors creates vehicles that exemplify “Design, Performance, and Efficiency” while conforming to all U.S. safety, environmental and durability standards. The company has already taken over 325 reservations for its first car, the Tesla Roadster, a high performance 2 seat sports car that accelerates to 60 mph in under 4 seconds with extreme energy efficiency. Tesla expects to start shipping Tesla Roadsters to customers in the fall.

Tesla Motors was founded in July 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning to create efficient electric cars for people who love to drive. The Chairman and largest investor in Tesla Motors is Elon Musk. Tesla Motors currently employs more than 140 people, including teams in California, Michigan, the U.K. and Taiwan. For more information, visit www.teslamotors.com .

###

SANTA FE (February 19, 2007) – Governor Richardson announced today that Tesla Motors will build a new automobile assembly facility in Albuquerque, bringing 400 high wage jobs and a total capital investment of $35 million. Construction on the 150,000 square foot plant will begin in April 2007, at the latest.

Tesla Motors, based out of San Carlos, Calif., will use the plant to produce its “WhiteStar” car, a four door, five-passenger sports sedan, which is 100 percent electric. The New Mexico plant will be the company’s first assembly facility in the United States. The plant will be built on the West Side of Albuquerque, at Cordera Mesa adjacent to the new Tempur-Pedic plant. The 400 new jobs will pay between $24,000 and $100,000 a year, plus excellent benefits and stock options.

“Today’s announcement is proof that New Mexico is a national leader when it comes to innovation, new technology and creating jobs,” said Governor Richardson. “Tesla is committed to clean energy and so is New Mexico. We’ve made New Mexico competitive, and we’ve committed ourselves to being the Clean Energy State.”

The Governor has directed the state's General Services Division, and other appropriate agencies, to investigate the purchase of 100 WhiteStar vehicles for the state fleet over a two year period as a demonstration of the state’s commitment to clean energy.

Governor Richardson has also invited Tesla Motors Chairman Elon Musk and Tesla Motors CEO Martin Eberhard to work with the state to develop a package of legislation for the 2008 session to encourage and incentivize the purchase of clean energy vehicles, including hybrid and electric vehicles.

“This is a major step toward making New Mexico a center for 'green' manufacturing,” U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman said. “In my role as chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I will continue crafting policies at the federal level to ensure that the electric cars like those made by Tesla - and other companies specializing in cutting-edge renewable energy technologies - will eventually be commonplace. I commend Gov. Richardson, Secretary Homans, Gary Tonjes, Clark Krause and Mayor Chavez for working hard to recruit Tesla to our state."

Several states, including Arizona and California, were in talks with Tesla Motors over locating the "WhiteStar" assembly plant.

“We wanted to be in a state that is as committed as Tesla is to developing clean energy and addressing global climate change,” said Elon Musk, Chairman of Tesla Motors. “We found that leadership in New Mexico.”

“The state was very responsive, helping us solve workforce and logistical challenges,” said Martin Eberhard, CEO and Co-founder of Tesla Motors. “This is a state where we can look far into the future and for a partnership that will be good for Tesla and for the state of New Mexico.”

The first cars will roll off the assembly line in the fall of 2009, and Tesla Motors will produce at least 10,000 cars each year. The vehicles will cost $50,000 for the standard model or $65,000 for a premium model with greater performance and range. Tesla Motors begins production of its first vehicle, a zero-emission two seat Roadster, at a facility in England owned by Lotus Cars later this year.

Tesla Corporate Headquarters will continue to be located in San Carlos, Calif., where Tesla Motors employs more than 120 people. The 400 jobs created by the new assembly facility will be new jobs and not transfers from the San Carlos location. Tesla recently announced the opening of an R&D facility in Rochester Hills, Mich., north of Detroit, where it expects to grow to a staff of 60 focused on design and engineering for the WhiteStar.

Tesla Motors will receive several incentives from the state, including the high wage job tax credit, the manufacturer’s investment tax credit and assistance from the Job Training Incentive Program.

In addition, Governor Richardson has committed $3.5 million in capital outlay from the 2007 legislative session, and another $3.5 million in capital outlay from the 2008 legislative session. These funds will go to Bernalillo County and be used for building and infrastructure investment related to the facility.

“New Mexico has embraced innovation, adventure and next generation technology,” said Rick Homans, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Economic Development Department. "This announcement sends the message loud and clear that we welcome entrepreneurs and we will provide the support they need."

The state's Economic Development Department worked closely with the Albuquerque Economic Development Department and the New Mexico Economic Development Partnership to close the deal with Tesla Motors.

The city of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County have agreed to assist with development of infrastructure to the site. First Community Bank has agreed to participate as a local lender. SunCal, which recently acquired approximately 57,000 acres on Albuquerque’s west side, pledged at no cost up to 75 acres of land abutting the initial site if the company undertakes a major expansion in the future.

"I am extremely pleased that Tesla has chosen our community for their new facility for a number of reasons," stated Mayor Martin Chávez of Albuquerque. "First, it fits in with Albuquerque's priority of sustainable economic development with its exciting use of alternative/renewable energy. Secondly, I see it as an opportunity to gain and grow a company that might be the next major manufacturer; Eclipse Aviation was an innovator in personal jet transportation - Tesla is a true innovator in the electric automobile industry. This will continue our policy of growing west side job opportunities to improve the jobs/housing balance, reduce the need for commuting, and further improve air quality. I'm absolutely delighted with this announcement, and I want to congratulate all of our private and public sector partners involved in this project, and welcome Tesla as our newest community member."

Bernalillo County Commission Chairman Alan Armijo said today, “The County continues its dedication to helping create great jobs through support to quality companies such as Tesla Motors. We’re proud of the role Bernalillo County played in their recruitment. The County is open for business and our work to strengthen the economy is paying dividends.”

“The Albuquerque region continues its emergence within the nation and world as a premier location for sophisticated companies,” said Albuquerque Economic Development Chairman of the Board Carolyn Monroe. “Along with Eclipse Aviation, Tesla’s decision helps to establish Albuquerque at the center of the personal transportation revolution. Tesla Motors is a perfect complement to Albuquerque and its aspirations.”

Tesla Motors is a privately owned company, formed in 2003 with the goal of manufacturing electric cars that exemplify the highest standards of automotive performance, efficiency and design. Chairman Elon Musk, a co-founder of the Pay-Pal online payment system and founder and CEO of SpaceX, led three rounds of venture financing that have raised $60 million. Tesla employs more than 160 people at design, engineering and manufacturing facilities in California, Michigan, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

#30#

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. (Jan. 26, 2007) – Tesla Motors, manufacturers of high performance, zero emission electric vehicles, today opened its Michigan Technical Center in Rochester Hills

The 19,240 square-foot facility, located at 1840 Enterprise Drive, will focus on research & development for future Tesla products, starting with a four-door electric sports sedan to be built by the Silicon Valley-based company. That project, named “WhiteStar,” will be a four door, five-passenger, lightweight, high-performance sedan planned for production around 2009.

“This tech center will be home to the engineering, quality and supply chain staff working on WhiteStar and other Tesla cars coming down the line,” said John Thomas, general manager of the Michigan Technical Center and senior director of the WhiteStar program. “With our state-of-the-art CAD and CAE design and simulation tools, this center will enable us to bring high-quality products to market quicker than traditional manufacturers.”

The region’s existing base of automotive companies, facilities and engineering talent, also figured into the decision to place the Technical Center in Michigan. “There are thousands of highly experienced automotive experts in this area,” said Thomas. “We felt it was smart to use the existing test tracks, validation equipment, wind tunnels and more, rather than duplicating these costly investments.”

“We’ve put together a great team at Tesla Motors,” said Martin Eberhard, CEO and co-founder of Tesla Motors. “Growing Tesla Motors and creating higher-volume models requires more talented automotive engineers with experience in developing, manufacturing and assembling high-volume cars. We can hire the best, most experienced automotive talent here in Michigan.”

Since opening in July 2003, Tesla Motors has grown to a company with more than 140 employees as they prepare to launch their first electric car, the Tesla Roadster, in the fourth quarter of 2007. Over 270 customers have already reserved a Tesla Roadster in advance. Over time, Tesla Motors plans to develop a wide range of electric vehicles, all sharing the common characteristics of great styling, high performance, zero emissions and zero oil usage.

The Michigan Technical Center will be the fourth Tesla Motors facility worldwide, and the second in the U.S., joining the company’s headquarters in San Carlos, Calif. Tesla Motors also has facilities in England (assembly of the Tesla Roadster) and Taiwan (motor production).

About Tesla Motors

Tesla Motors was founded in July 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning to create efficient electric cars for people who love to drive. The Chairman, and largest investor in Tesla Motors, is Elon Musk.

Tesla Motors currently employs more than 140 people, including teams in California, Michigan, the U.K. and Taiwan. The company has recruited employees whose background and experience mirror the vehicles the company produces, drawing from diverse expertise in the electronics, automotive and software industries.

Tesla Motors creates vehicles that conform to all U.S. safety, environmental and durability standards. The cars include modern safety equipment such as airbags, front crumple zones, side impact protection, and 2½ mph bumpers.

For more information, visit www.teslamotors.com.

###

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2006) - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today highlighted the role new alternative fuel vehicles play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the state and throughout the world. During a speech at the 100th annual L.A. Auto Show, the governor spotlighted five vehicles, including the all-electric Tesla Roadster that rides on Yokohama ADVAN Neova tires.

"Every industry has to participate in the fight against global warming," said Gov. Schwarzenegger. "And these clean, efficient alternative fuel vehicles are leading this environmental revolution."

Referring to the Tesla Roadster, which goes 250 miles on a single charge, Gov. Schwarzenegger said, "I test drove this vehicle, and it is hot."

Tesla Motors CEO Martin Eberhard said, "Playing a role in climate leadership is vital to Tesla Motors. That's why we're pleased to be working with Yokohama Tire Corp., using their highly efficient and high performance ADVAN Neova tires. They're the only tires on the U.S. market that blend great handling with low rolling resistance technology. "

The Tesla Roadster is the first car built by San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla Motors. The Tesla Roadster, powered by lithium-ion batteries, is capable of going from 0-60 mph in about four seconds, and has a top speed of more than 130 mph. Deliveries are expected to begin during summer 2007.

According to Yokohama Tire Corporation Executive Vice President Jim MacMaster, "The all-electric Roadster is a perfect complement to our corporate mandate to create a sustainable business that ultimately has zero adverse affect on the environment. For Yokohama, this commitment is being reinforced by our innovative work with environmental leaders like Tesla Motors."

Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global producer and distributor of premium tires for more than 89 years. Servicing a network of more than 4,500 points of sale in the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation offers a complete line of tires including high-performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, as well as off-the-road mining and construction applications. For more information on Yokohama's extensive product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com.

Yokohama is a strong supporter of the tire care and safety guidelines established by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA). Details can be found at the "Taking Care of Your Tires" section at www.yokohamatire.com.

Tesla Motors, a privately held company, was founded in July 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning to create efficient electric cars for people who love to drive. Elon Musk, co-founder of PayPal and currently CEO and Chief Technology Officer of SpaceX, is chairman of Tesla Motors. Musk has led or co-led three rounds of investment resulting in $60 million in funding. He also is instrumental in corporate and product development at Tesla Motors.

Tesla Motors currently employs more than 120 people, including teams in California, the United Kingdom and Taiwan. The company has recruited employees whose background and experience mirror the vehicle itself, drawing from diverse expertise in the electronics, automotive and software industries.

Tesla Motors creates vehicles that conform to all U.S. safety, environmental and durability standards. The cars include modern safety equipment such as airbags, front crumple zones, side impact protection, and 2½ mph bumpers. Tesla Motors will sell the Tesla Roadster exclusively in the contiguous Unites States after it passes Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

SAN CARLOS, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2006) – Tesla Motors, maker of America's first high performance electric sports car, today announced that it has filled all reservations for the flagship 2007½ model year Tesla Roadster.

Since publicly unveiling the Tesla Roadster in July, Tesla Motors has accepted more than 220 reservations for the car, an average of about two per day. That is further proof that the sleek, stylish, zero-emissions Tesla Roadster resonates with car buyers.

The 2007½ Tesla Roadster, priced at about $100,000, is fully loaded with a premium sound system, GPS navigation, premium leather seats and a carbon fiber hard top. Production of the car is expected to begin in the summer of 2007.

Tesla Motors expects to begin accepting orders for the 2008 model year in November. The company also will showcase the Tesla Roadster at the San Francisco Auto Show, Nov. 18 to Nov. 26, and the Los Angeles Auto Show, Dec. 1 to Dec. 10.

The 100 percent electric-powered Tesla Roadster is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in about four seconds. It boasts the equivalent of 135 mpg and a range of up to 250 miles on a single charge -- a combination previously unseen in a mass-produced electric vehicle*. The car’s extended range is due to its state-of-the-art lithium-ion Energy Storage System.

“We set out to build a car with zero emissions that people would love to drive,” said Tesla Motors Co-founder and CEO Martin Eberhard. “Each of our customers has made the decision to invest in an attractive car that uses no oil and is responsible for far fewer greenhouse gasses than the alternatives. Our early customers are pioneers, helping lay a foundation that will make electric cars possible for everyone – enabling Tesla Motors to develop future models at price points that eventually work for every budget.”

Each year, Global Green recognizes advancements made in industry, building, media and public policy that move the world toward a sustainable and secure future.

"There couldn't be a more important time for these innovators,” said Mikhail Gorbachev, President of Green Cross International, Global Green USA’s parent organization, through an interpreter. “Designing a more sustainable and secure world will make us all safer and healthier."

Tesla Motors, based in San Carlos, Calif., is in the process of bringing the all-electric Tesla Roadster sports car to market. It is capable of going from zero to 60 mph in around four seconds, has a top speed of better than 130 mph, and can travel up to 250 miles on a single charge. The car’s power comes from its Lithium-ion Energy Storage System, or battery pack, which can be recharged in about 3.5 hours. First deliveries are expected to begin next summer.

“Sustainability and resource depletion are among our deepest concerns,” said Martin Eberhard, CEO and co-founder of Tesla Motors. “We set out to design a car that combines style, acceleration and handling with advanced technologies in order to make the Tesla Roadster a viable alternative to fossil-fuel cars.”

Other Winners include Goldman, Sachs & Co., for design and implementation of corporate policies that preserve and protect the environment; Sundance Channel for the development of Sundance Channel GREEN, a weekly primetime programming block focusing on environmental topics; and Bank of America, for creating one of the country’s greenest high-rise buildings.

Tesla Motors was founded in July 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning to create efficient electric cars for people who love to drive. The Chairman of Tesla Motors, a privately held company, is Elon Musk, who has led or co-led all three rounds of investment resulting in $60 million in funding. Musk has been instrumental in both corporate and product development at Tesla Motors.

Tesla Motors currently employs more than 80 people, including teams in California, the U.K. and Taiwan. The company has recruited employees whose background and experience mirror the vehicle itself, drawing from diverse expertise in the electronics, automotive and software industries.

Tesla Motors creates vehicles that conform to all U.S. safety, environmental and durability standards. The cars include modern safety equipment such as airbags, front crumple zones, side impact protection and 2½ mph bumpers. Tesla Motors will only sell cars in the U.S. once they pass the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS).

For more information, visit www.teslamotors.com.

Global Green USA is the US affiliate of Green Cross International founded by Mikhail Gorbachev in 1993. Global Green is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, with a Washington DC office, which manages its Legacy Program. The Legacy Program is an international partnership with Green Cross Switzerland and Green Cross Russia to facilitate the safe and timely elimination of weapons stockpiles and related systems globally. The Legacy Program maintains twelve offices in Russia today, including 11 public outreach offices serving chemical weapons stockpile communities, and has been actively involved in US, Russian, and global CW destruction for over a decade. For more information, visit www.globalgreen.com.

Popular Mechanics salutes 10 advancements each year – and their innovators – that promise to shape the future by improving lives and expanding possibilities in the realms of science, technology and exploration. 2006 is the second year the publication has presented its Breakthrough Awards.

The Tesla Roadster is the first automobile to receive a Breakthrough Award.

"The Breakthrough Awards distinguish those ideas and inventions that are changing the face of technology, and the Tesla Roadster is leading an automotive revolution," said James Meigs, editor-in-chief of Popular Mechanics. "Martin Eberhard and his team at Tesla Motors have developed a car with something for everyone — speed, great handling, good looks and zero emissions."

“We’re pleased to receive the Breakthrough Award,” said Eberhard, CEO and co-founder of Tesla Motors. “We wanted to make a car that was fun to drive and environmentally responsible. Our key breakthrough is the concept of using Lithium-ion batteries which have long been used in laptops, cell phones, cameras, and power tools. Due to the number of cells that are used in a car we had to develop some unique technology for managing the temperature, charge balance and safety of the Tesla battery pack.”

Tesla Motors, based in San Carlos, Calif., in the heart of Silicon Valley, is in the process of bringing the all-electric Tesla Roadster sports car to market. It is capable of going from zero to 60 mph in around four seconds, has a top speed of better than 130 mph, and can travel up to 250 miles on a single charge. The car’s power comes from its Lithium-ion Energy Storage System, or battery pack, which can be recharged in about 3.5 hours. First deliveries are expected to begin next summer.

A complete report of the Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Awards will be published in their November 2006 issue (on newsstands October 10, 2006). High-resolution images of the winners will be available upon request and at www.popularmechanics.com.

Past Winners include Hugh Herr for his advances in rehabilitative prosthetics, father and daughter duo Tim and Sarah Pickens for their rocket-powered bicycle, and the Microsoft Xbox 360.

Tesla Motors was founded in July 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning to create efficient electric cars for people who love to drive. The Chairman of Tesla Motors, a privately held company, is Elon Musk, who has led or co-led all three rounds of investment resulting in $60 million in funding. Musk has been instrumental in both corporate and product development at Tesla Motors.

Tesla Motors currently employs more than 80 people, including teams in California, the U.K. and Taiwan. The company has recruited employees whose background and experience mirror the vehicle itself, drawing from diverse expertise in the electronics, automotive and software industries.

Tesla Motors creates vehicles that conform to all U.S. safety, environmental and durability standards. The cars include modern safety equipment such as airbags, front crumple zones, side impact protection and 2½ mph bumpers. Tesla Motors will only sell cars in the U.S. once they pass the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS).

Popular Mechanics is published by Hearst Magazines, a unit of Hearst Corporation (www.hearst.com) and one of the world's largest publishers of monthly magazines, with a total of 18 U.S. titles and 145 international editions. Hearst reaches more adults than any other publisher of monthly magazines (76.3 million according to MRI, spring 2005). The company also publishes 19 magazines in the United Kingdom through its wholly owned subsidiary, The National Magazine Company Limited.

SAN CARLOS, Calif. (September 13, 2006) – Tesla Motors, manufacturers of performance electric vehicles, will preview their new high-performance sports car, the Tesla Roadster, at Soirée du Vin, a celebration of fine wine, food and fashion scheduled for October 15 in Palo Alto.

“We are proud to be a part of Silicon Valley, and this event benefits a worthy Silicon Valley cause,” said Martin Eberhard, CEO and co-founder of Tesla Motors. “It’s a chance for us at Tesla Motors to get to know some of our neighbors.”

Soirée du Vin supports the International School of the Peninsula, located in Palo Alto. The event will be held in the gardens of a historical residence designed by Birge M. Clark, providing a dramatic backdrop for the evening’s festivities.

Among the event”s highlights: an auction including a test drive of a Tesla Roadster, fine wines, weekend getaways and more; a showing of gowns by fashion designer Azadeh; and a gourmet dinner with wine pairings provided by Café Primavera owner Joanna Biondi.

Tickets are $250 per person. More information is available at www.soireeduvin.org.

The Tesla Roadster, unveiled in July, boasts the equivalent of 135 mpg and a range of 250 miles on a single charge, a combination heretofore unseen in a mass-produced electric vehicle. Its extended range is due to its state-of-the-art lithium-ion Energy Storage System, and is capable of going from 0-60 mph in about four seconds. First deliveries are planned for next summer.

Tesla Motors was founded in July 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning to create efficient electric cars for people who love to drive. The Chairman of Tesla Motors, a privately held company, is Elon Musk, who has led or co-led all three rounds of investment resulting in $60 million in funding. Mr. Musk has been instrumental in both corporate and product development at Tesla Motors.

The company currently employs over 80 people, including teams in California, the U.K. and Taiwan. The company has recruited employees whose background and experience mirror the vehicle itself, drawing from diverse expertise in the electronics, automotive and software industries.

Tesla Motors creates vehicles that conform to all U.S. safety, environmental and durability standards. The cars include modern safety equipment such as airbags, front crumple zones, side impact protection, and 2½ mph bumpers. Tesla Motors will only sell cars in the U.S. when they pass the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS).

International School of the Peninsula, located in Palo Alto, California, is an independent Chinese and French bilingual school for nursery through eighth grade students, and is dedicated to promoting critical thinking, international awareness and responsible global citizenship. The school is a passionate proponent of the benefits of bilingual education and offers a wide array of language classes to the community, including courses in Arabic, Farsi, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. Proceeds from the auction will go towards the Charlotte de Géry Endowment Fund, which provides long-term financial stability for the school.

Unveiled last month before a throng of well-wishers and automotive enthusiasts in Santa Monica, Calif., the Tesla Roadster is transforming the auto industry, proving that it is possible to deliver sports car performance in a handsome, environmentally friendly vehicle.

“Our goal in designing the Tesla Roadster was to build a car with zero emissions that people would love to drive,” said Tesla Motors co-founder and CEO Martin Eberhard. “Each of our Signature One Hundred customers could drive any flashy, fast, gas-powered car they wanted. Instead they did the right thing, investing in an attractive car that uses no oil and is responsible for far fewer greenhouse gasses than the alternatives.”

Eberhard continued: “Getting a ‘Signature One Hundred’ Tesla Roadster provides entry into a very exclusive group. These early customers are pioneers, helping lay a foundation that will make electric cars possible for everyone — enabling Tesla Motors to develop future models at price points that eventually work for every budget.”

Tesla Motors Chairman Elon Musk agreed. “Customers of the Tesla Roadster are doing something really good that goes beyond just buying a sports car, because their purchase helps pay for development of our affordable, mass market electric vehicles,” said Musk. “Buying a Tesla Roadster is a vote against global warming and oil addiction.”

The electric-powered Tesla Roadster is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in about four seconds. It boasts the equivalent of 135 mpg and a range of 250 miles on a single charge, a combination heretofore unseen in a mass-produced electric vehicle*. Its extended range is due to its state-of-the-art lithium-ion Energy Storage System.

Each customer made a $100,000 deposit to join the Signature One Hundred Club and reserve their “Signature One Hundred” special edition Tesla Roadster. The “Signature One Hundred” edition includes a commemorative plaque in the cockpit personalized for the customer and signed by the company’s principals, a special Signature One Hundred trim package and all available options, including a state-of-the-art navigation system and a hard top. Deliveries of the Tesla Roadster are expected to begin mid-2007.

The Signature One Hundred Club has attracted a diverse group of members including performance sports car devotees, alternative energy advocates, technology enthusiasts, “Clean Tech” supporters, environmentalists and members of the financial community. Some of the initial members include Oscar® winner George Clooney, Dennis Haysbert (of “24” fame), Jim Marver of VantagePoint Venture Partners, Jeff Skoll, formerly of eBay, as well as Eberhard and Musk. Each has reserved their “Signature One Hundred” edition Tesla Roadster.

*All performance numbers are preliminary. Tesla Motors is involved in important and time-consuming safety and durability testing for the Tesla Roadster. While Tesla Motors is confident of these numbers, this testing may require design changes that affect the final specifications. MPG is for the EPA highway driving cycle. Conversion from electric consumption to gallons of gasoline equivalent is calculated using the EPA conversion factor documented in the Federal Register: June 12, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 113), Rules and Regulations, Pages 36985-36992.

Tesla Motors was founded in July 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning to create efficient electric cars for people who love to drive. The Chairman of Tesla Motors, a privately held company, is Elon Musk, who has led or co-led all three rounds of investment resulting in $60 million in funding. Mr. Musk has been instrumental in both corporate and product development at Tesla Motors.

The company currently employs over 80 people, including teams in California, the U.K. and Taiwan. The company has recruited employees whose background and experience mirror the vehicle itself, drawing from diverse expertise in the electronics, automotive and software industries.

Tesla Motors creates vehicles that conform to all U.S. safety, environmental and durability standards. The cars include modern safety equipment such as airbags, front crumple zones, side impact protection, and 2½ mph bumpers. Tesla Motors will only sell cars in the U.S. when they pass the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS).

For more information, visit www.teslamotors.com.