Tag Archives: tesla

Tesla creating a consumer ecosystem

Posted on August 10, 2016 | Leave a comment

If you’re wondering about Elon Musk’s latest vision for Tesla, think Apple.

Apple succeeded in turning a bland market for electronic devices into a coveted and connected lifestyle where your phone, your tablet, your computer, your watch and your television can all be bought in one place and work seamlessly together.

It’s about passion too. People continue to line up at Apple stores overnight to be the first to possess the latest iPhone. The company’s launch events resemble the gathering of a cult.

At Tesla Motors, Musk tapped into that kind of branding magic when he built electric cars that drive fast and look good. The spring launch of the upcoming Model 3 evoked an Apple-like frenzy in stores and online.

Now he’s looking to create his own ecosystem, this one centered on sustainable energy, solar panels and batteries. It’s a much less sexy realm than cars but at least as ambitious.

In recent weeks, Musk began to rapidly expand the Tesla footprint: merging with SolarCity to bring a major solar energy company into the fold, and laying out a sweeping “master plan” to transform Tesla beyond cars, by expanding into eco-friendly trucks and buses, ride-sharing and more.

Tesla Motors Stands Behind Its Battery With New Warrenty

Posted on May 11, 2013 | Leave a comment

Hoping to make drivers more comfortable with electric cars, Tesla Motors announced Friday that it will cover the cost of repairing the batteries on its Model S sedan in every situation other than a collision or owner tampering.

Elon Musk and the Model S

“As long as you don’t try to destroy it, it’s covered,” said Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Musk also announced that the company would create a fleet of 100 “loaner” cars that Model S owners can drive while their own sedans are in the shop. The loaners will be the most expensive version of the Model S that Tesla makes, with the most features and best battery range. If a Model S owner likes the loaner better than his own car, he can trade in his original sedan and buy the loaner.

Will an at-home charging station add value to your home? Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for your value questions.

The loaners will sell at a slight discount to a new Model S Performance sedan, which starts at $94,900. Loaner prices will drop 1 percent for every month of age and $1 for every mile driven. A valet will deliver the loaner to a Model S owner and pick up the car that needs repair, part of what Musk called “better than invisible” service.

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Electric Car Show-room Coming to UTC

Posted on October 15, 2012 | Leave a comment

Tesla is pulling into San Diego.

The luxury plug-in electric car maker has begun outfitting a showroom store at the Westfield UTC shopping center on La Jolla Village Drive.

A spokeswoman for the car maker declined to say how soon the University City store might open. A boarded-over storefront already bears the Tesla logo.

Like Tesla’s cars or not, U.S. taxpayers have a stake in the future of the Palo Alto-based upstart, whose ongoing expansion is backed by a Department of Energy loan.

The company recently reached an agreement with the federal government to delay payments on the $465 million loan, while issuing stock aimed at raising as much as $225 million.

Tesla still intends to repay the loan ahead of its 10-year schedule. Its stock offering ended early last week.

Tesla also cut its revenue target for the year, warning that it had fallen behind on production of its flagship sedan.

At existing dealerships, which look more like an upscale electronics store than a traditional auto sales outlet, most eyes are the all-aluminum bodied Model S sedan, Tesla’s entry into mass manufacturing and somewhat-competitive pricing.

The S sells for between $50,000 and $98,000 after a federal tax credit, depending on the battery size. California zero- emission vehicle rebates also apply.

The design of Tesla’s stores has been overseen by a company executive, George Blankenship, who helped create the Apple store experience.