After having what can best be described as a shaky start, Tesla Motors a tech based electric automobile startup is now looking to win over consumers world round by opening new stores across the globe. Staying true to their expansion plan, Tesla Motors will open its first retail site in Canada this November located at Toronto’s acclaimed Yorkdale Mall.
With this new retail site in Canada Tesla will look to promote its Model S electric cars north of the border, as trained and tested staff members will focus on educating Canadians consumers about the benefits and performance of the Model S while forming strong relationships with them.
The price of the Tesla’s Model S will range from $64,500 to $100,400, excluding provincial rebates. While that is considered to be a bit expensive by many, the actual vehicle is an engineering marvel that combines unmatched range (up to 426 km) and electric performance with BMW 5 Series level luxury and styling.
In spite of its long list of features, the views and opinions on the actual vehicle seem to be completely split between firm believers and doubters. Pacific Crest Securities’ analyst Ben Schuman explained the reason behind it by saying that, “The electric car hasn’t been proven to be commercially viable, and Tesla itself has not proven it can manufacture a vehicle from the ground up and sell it at a positive margin.”
Along with this issue, Tesla is also facing serious battery related issues, as the company wants to feature batteries that last a long time between required charges. Lithium ion batteries meet this criterion; however said cells are both pricey and heavy.
Due to this reason, Jacob Securities’ clean tech analyst, Khurram Malik believes that, “A fully electric car will never be a mainstream car like a Honda Accord until the battery is much cheaper and lighter. And we’re many years away from that.” According to Khurram a battery that can power an Accord would bear a price tag of more than $20,000.
Moreover, the increasing costs and past production hold-ups have also hurt Tesla, with the firm falling short of its 5,000 vehicle target, as they are now expected to deliver a mere 3,200 cars during this year. Keeping Tesla’s current performance in mind, several analysts believe that this company will not be able to meet its target of 20,000 cars in the 2013 calendar year as well.
However, despite all the odds the company faces, they have still decided to take the crucial steps in launching new stores, expected total 34 locations across the world by the end of 2012. This huge risk was taken by the co-founder and former PayPal owner, Elon Musk, who had sold his successful global e-commerce venture to eBay.
Musk’s accomplishments did not simply end with the sale of PayPal, as later he earned the administration of NASA through his new company SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corporation) that successfully ported a capsule on the International Space Station.
In light of these huge accomplishments, several people remain reluctant to be against Musk and his ability to turn Tesla Motors into a profitable venture that holds significant global impact. The fact that Yahoo! recently named the Model S their 2013 Car of the Year is sure to help things as well.
Source: Canadian Business
Nike+ FuelBand Now Available At Apple Online And Retail Stores
Innovate Smartphone Case Incorporates Seven Useful Tools in Three Millimeter Thick Frame
Lunches So Good Kids Can’t Ignore Them
Invigorating Ginger Smoothie
The U.K.’s Youngest Parents Ever
The new hair Jennifer Lawrence