Electric vehicle manufacturer, Tesla Motors, plans to introduce a second vehicle. The new model, a five-seat luxury saloon, will be built in a new factory in California. Roadster production will remain in the UK.
The plan is to establish a manufacturing base in Silicon Valley to take advantage of the expertise that is present in the region. Tesla hopes to start construction of the $250 million facility in summer 2009. When complete the factory should employ around 1,000 workers.
Tesla's next project is a zero-emission saloon known as Model S. The goals are to provide space for five people and a range of about 240 miles per charge with "exceptional performance". Expect the price to be in the region of $60,000 when production starts in late 2010.
Production of the
Tesla Roadster has been increased in response to strong demand. Thirty Roadsters have been delivered so far with deposits taken for over 1,000 more. There are no plans to move Roadster production, which is undertaken by Group Lotus in Norfolk.
John Lambert - 18 Sep 2008
