Tesla Model S sold out for 2012

[nosuchthing]

I wonder if Car and Driver knows that it's a "photochop."

 

[cwerdna]

Wasn't sure where to post this...

Tesla: Sell Enough Cars by Year's End, or Else: http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2012/08/tesla-sell-enough-cars-by-years-end-or-else.html?shout_id=22798%3A387618" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Tesla CEO: future hinges on increasing Model S production: http://www.leftlanenews.com/tesla-ceo-future-hinges-on-increasing-model-s-production.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Keep in mind they haven't turned a profit once. I do wonder if the press is spinning this as to more than Musk intends it, whether Musk really means or of it's a rallying cry to motivate the troops.

 

[ttweed]

Noticed this article in the LA Times last friday:
http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-autos-tesla-20121026,0,3280317.story

It seems there are laws against a manufacturer opening their own sales network that present another hurdle for Tesla's business model. For years, dealerships have controlled the right to sell cars on the retail market, and they are fighting the idea of Tesla selling directly to consumers:

Over time, car dealerships became crucial sources of employment and tax revenue for local communities. To prevent manufacturers from opening their own stores and undercutting neighborhood dealers, states developed laws governing the franchise relationship. Bottom line: Carmakers had to leave their retail sales to someone else.

According to the National Automobile Dealers Assn., 48 states either prohibit or in some way restrict automakers from owning sales facilities.

Still, laws in most states do allow automakers to open their own stores if they don't have an existing dealer network. That's why "Tesla is more likely than not to prevail," Jacoby said.

Dealers aren't conceding. Last week, the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Assn. and a dealer in the region sued Tesla and the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, alleging that they violated state franchise laws when Tesla opened a store in Westchester, N.Y., in late May.

Additionally, the Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Assn. is seeking a preliminary injunction to close Tesla's store in suburban Boston. The legal actions were first reported by the trade journal Automotive News.

It appears Musk has a solid argument against them, but who knows what it will cost to defend?

Musk said the lawsuits, "are starkly contrary to the spirit and the letter of the law," adding that the plaintiffs "will have considerable difficulty explaining to the court why Tesla opening a store in Boston is somehow contrary to the best interests of fair commerce or the public."

Tesla has no existing dealers who have risked their own money building showrooms and marketing the brand. Therefore, Musk said, there are no franchisees "anywhere in the world that will be harmed by us opening stores."

TT