Tesla Motors projects that its revenue will increase in the second half of 2012 as production and sales of the Tesla Model S are expected to outpace the automaker's now-extinct Roadster.
Tesla reports that "one day after the reveal, without any advertising, advance sales of the Model X exceeded $40 million."
Yesterday Tesla Motors unveiled a prototype of the highly anticipated Model X SUV/minivan at its design studio in Hawthorne, Calif..
During a splashy gathering of media and prospective owners, Tesla founder Elon Musk said the electric SUV – complete with “falcon wing doors” and due for 2013 production – “has more utility than a minivan and better, much better performance than a SUV.”
What’s with the doors? Well they look cool, and they're practical, Musk said
“You can get in and out in the tightest garage or parking spot without hitting the wall or car next to you, or your head,” Musk said, with pride in his innovative and high-performance family hauler.
Just because Tesla is discontinuing its Lotus-based Roadster doesn’t mean there’s nothing happening at the California-based electric vehicle maker to be excited about.
On the contrary, the startup was busy last week offering test rides in the pending Model S to around 2,000 customers who’d RSVP’d to invites after putting down $5,000 pre-order deposits.
Tesla says it actually has over 6,000 paid pre-orders for the far-more accessibly priced series of luxurious and sporty EVs due to be launched mid-2012.
The company is also expected to introduce its Model X crossover in November at the LA Auto Show, and that vehicle is due in 2013 or 2014.
James Bond was able to mix business with pleasure, but the marital problems of Tesla Motors' chief executive officer may very well challenge the emerging company. Elon Musk's divorce trial could put into question his control of the company, possibly having to surrender significant shares to his wife, a fantasy novelist. The problem lies in a condition of the company's $465 million loan from the Department of Energy.
One week after finalizing the terms for a $465 million low cost federal government loan, Tesla Motors on Friday filed for an initial public offering. The company’s strategy is to sell $100 million worth of stock, and with a new level of capital in its coffers, to focus its efforts on launching its second vehicle—the $58,000 five-seat Model S luxury all-electric sedan.
