Electric Car Industry Updates

Unique TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster commemorates Swiss brand's 150th anniversary.

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.

Relentless focus on technological innovation

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

About TAG Heuer

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.

About Tesla Motors

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. Tesla has delivered more than 1,000 cars to customers in at least 21 countries worldwide.

The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than nearly any car in its price class and is twice as energy efficient as leading hybrids. It is the only highway-capable electric vehicle for sale in Europe or 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 this service at customers’ homes or offices.

Launches Tesla Motors Leasing

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 Roadster is the only production car that is faster than many sports cars and more energy efficient than any hybrid. 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

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 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.

Deutsch

World's greenest sports car maker offers test drives this weekend in St. Moritz during "White Turf" race.

ST. MORITZ, Switzerland -- (BUSINESS WIRE) — Leading electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla Motors is offering test drives this weekend in St. Moritz, the world's oldest and most prestigious winter resort.

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 Roadster accelerates faster than a Porsche yet has zero tailpipe emissions and is twice as energy efficient as leading hybrids. 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.

 

About Tesla Motors

Tesla is the world’s only automaker selling highway-capable electric cars. Tesla sells vehicles 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 Roadster starts at €84,000 before taxes, and its fuel costs about 1.5 cents per mile, compared to as much as 25 cents per mile for petrol-powered sports cars. 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 this service at customers’ homes or offices.

 

Media:
Contact Rachel Konrad, rachel@teslamotors.com, + 44 (0) 770201 9163
 
Customers:

 

To schedule a test drive in St. Moritz, contact Jochen Rudat, jrudat@teslamotors.com, + 41 (0) 78907 0737

LONDON -- (BUSINESS WIRE) — Tesla Motors has announced production of the right-hand-drive version of its iconic Roadster sports car, the only highway-capable electric vehicle for sale worldwide.

Prospective customers and media may test-drive right-hand-drive cars available at Tesla's showroom, 49-51 Cheval Place in London's Knightsbridge district (SW7 1EW). The 2010 right-hand-drive Roadster includes a suite of unique noise-reduction materials, an upgraded sound system and other enhancements that make it ideal for daily commuting or weekend drives.

The Roadster accelerates faster than virtually any other car on the road, making it the only production car faster than a Porsche and twice as energy efficient as a Prius. It is quickly becoming the choice amongst discerning drivers who demand performance with a clean conscience.

The Roadster easily travels more than 200 miles per charge in mixed driving conditions, consumes no petroleum and plugs into conventional 220-volt sockets throughout Europe. It can be fully or partially recharged by solar or wind power. A customer's Roadster recently set a world distance record for EVs with 313 miles on a single charge.

"The right-hand-drive model is our response to growing demand from high-performance car buyers in the UK who are also interested in their impact on the environment." said Cristiano Carlutti, Tesla's Vice President for European Sales and Operations. "Tesla is dramatically expanding its retail footprint in Europe, we look forward to building our community of owners and fans throughout the continent."

UK 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 in the UK.

The Roadster starts at £86,950 and costs about 1.5p per mile, compared to as much as 32p per mile for petrol-powered sports cars. Roadster drivers do not have to pay the London congestion charge, saving up to nearly £1,700 annually. They can park for free and without time limits in various London boroughs, they get four hours of free charging at certain parking sites, and they are exempt from the forthcoming Showroom Tax of £950.

Tesla has delivered about 1,000 Roadsters to customers in 43 states and 21 countries. For all-new photos of Tesla's all-new right-hand-drive model, check out Tesla's image gallery: http://www.teslamotors.com/media/image_library.php?catId=72157623206999539

About Tesla Motors

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 Roadster accelerates faster than nearly any car in its price class and is twice as energy efficient as leading hybrids. It is the only highway-capable electric vehicle for sale in Europe or 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 this service at customers’ homes or offices.

 

Gilbert Passin will serve as Vice President of Manufacturing for leading electric vehicle maker

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."

 

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 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.

PALO ALTO, CA. – Tesla Motors, Inc. today announced that it has filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a proposed initial public offering of its common stock. Tesla Motors designs, manufactures and sells high-performance fully electric vehicles and advanced electric vehicle powertrain components. The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the offering have not yet been determined.

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.

Test-drives of the electric car available starting January 21st at Tesla’s Chicago Store

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.

Electric automaker displays VIN 1,000 at North American International Auto Show, will donate full value to charities

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.

Tesla to use Panasonic’s Ni based Li ion cell in their newest EV battery packs

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.

Cristiano Carlutti will serve as Vice President of European Sales and Operations for world's leading electric vehicle maker.

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.

About Tesla Motors

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.

Tesla Motors kicks off “Roadster Road Trip” from LA to Detroit Tesla employees will raise awareness about green transportation in 2,700-mile journey to the North American International Auto Show.

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.

Media opportunities include:

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

About Tesla Motors

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.

Test-drive’s available of the world’s only electric car starting December 18th at Tesla’s Store in Dania Beach.

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.

Tesla Motors offers test drives during Copenhagen climate change summit

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.

Tesla Motors hires senior Google recruiter as world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer expands staff

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.

Prospective Owners Can Test-Drive World’s Only Highway Capable Electric Car Starting November 24th at Tesla’s Southern Europe Sales and Service Center

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.

Magazine credits car manufacturer’s creative marketing and Internet campaigns to drive sales of world’s leading electric sports car.

NEW YORK — Advertising Age selected electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla Motors as one of “America’s hottest brands” in a special report highlighting the year's 50 brightest brands and the visionaries behind them.

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.

About Tesla Motors

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.