Tesla Motors
(NASDAQ: TSLA) delivered Model S, the world's first premium
electric sedan, to its first customers at an
invitation-only event at the Tesla Factory in Fremont,
California today. These deliveries put Model S on the road
approximately one month earlier than previously announced
and places the company in a good position to build 5,000
cars by the end of 2012, followed by 20,000 cars in 2013.
"In 2009, we set out to build the most innovative car of
the 21st century, and since then have dedicated ourselves
to developing and testing Model S to ensure that under any
situation, Model S never disappoints," said Elon Musk,
Tesla Motors co-founder, CEO and Chief Product Architect.
"Today we achieved our goal with an exceptional car that we
believe sets a new standard for efficiency, safety, style,
technology, operating cost and performance."
Model S is the
world's first premium sedan to be built from the ground up
as an electric vehicle, meticulously engineered to elevate
the public's expectations of what a premium sedan can be.
The five-door premium sedan competes with the top cars in
its class in spaciousness, handling and style, yet produces
zero emissions. Because there is no internal combustion
engine or transmission tunnel, the interior of the car
allows for additional cargo space in the front of the
vehicle and one of the most spacious cabins in its class.
The heart of Model S is its efficiently-packaged electric
powertrain that delivers a thrilling driving experience
while setting a new EPA record for electric vehicle range
of 265 miles. Model S comes with three battery options - 40
kWh, 60 kWh and 85 kWh. The battery's floor-mounted
position gives Model S a low center of gravity and ideal
weight distribution for exhilarating performance and
superior handling. Model S has many similar features,
including immediate responsiveness, instant torque and
smooth acceleration that made the Tesla Roadster famous.
Tesla has already received more than 10,000 reservations
worldwide for Model S.
Deliveries of Model S in Europe and Asia will begin in
early and mid-2013, respectively.
Pricing
The base price of Model S is $49,900 after available
federal tax credits of $7,500. Additional pricing
information can be found here. Model
S customers may also qualify
for state tax credits, rebates, sales tax exemptions, free
parking, commuter-lane passes and other perks.
Tesla's Retail Strategy
Tesla is reinventing the car-buying experience with its
unique retail model. Tesla stores feature a hands-on
exhibit of the Model S drivetrain, a Design Studio where
customers can customize their own Model S, and an
interactive touchscreen experience designed to engage and
inform customers about Tesla's advanced technology and the
benefits of driving electric.
Tesla is taking reservations online and at Tesla
Retail Stores around
the world. Tesla has 22 company-owned stores and galleries
worldwide. The company will open four additional stores and
galleries this summer at 3rd
Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California, Fashion
Square in Scottsdale, Arizona, Washington
Square in Portland, Oregon, and on Lincoln Road
in Miami Beach, Florida. Tesla plans to open about twelve
New Design retail stores and galleries worldwide in 2012,
mostly in North America.
When it comes to delivery, all customers have the option to
upgrade to a "Tesla Personal Delivery." With this
option, Tesla will deliver their car wherever a customer
chooses: at home, at work, at a friend's house, at a hotel
while on vacation, or anywhere else that brings a smile.
During Tesla Personal Delivery, a Product Specialist will
walk through many of the features that make Model S great
and will explain important details customers need to know
about owning Model S. Customers may choose to take delivery
of their vehicle at Tesla's Fremont factory where they may
also receive a tour to see where their vehicle was born.
Customer Test Drives
Tesla recently announced its Get Amped Model
S Tour, and during the next 45 days, intends to provide
more than 5,000 test drives to Model S Reservation Holders
and friends. The tour begins in Fremont, California on June
23rd and 24th, then moves to Los Angeles the following
weekend. The test drive tour will travel to other select
North American cities in July and August.
A
video recording of today's event can be found here.
Tesla's goal is to accelerate the world's transition to
electric mobility with a full range of increasingly
affordable electric cars. Palo Alto, California-based Tesla
designs and manufactures EVs, as well as EV power train
components for partners such as Toyota and Daimler. Tesla
has delivered more than 2,300 Roadsters to customers
worldwide. Model S, the first premium sedan to be
engineered from the ground up as an electric vehicle, began
deliveries to customers today. Tesla plans to build 5,000
Model S vehicles in 2012, and 20,000 in 2013.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release, including
statements regarding Model S safety and other performance
characteristics, Model S deliveries, test drives and tours,
Tesla store opening plans and Model S production in 2012
and 2013, are "forward-looking statements" that are subject
to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking
statements are based on management's current expectations,
and as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, actual
results may differ materially from those projected. Various
important factors could cause actual results to differ
materially from those in the forward-looking statements,
including the risks and uncertainties identified under the
sections captioned "Risk Factors" and "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
Of Operations" in Tesla's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2012.
Tesla disclaims any obligation to update information
contained in these forward-looking statements.
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