Tesla Announce Latest Production Schedule
by Matthew Sparkes, London, UK on 09.25.07
If you're waiting for a Tesla Roadster, then read on.
Last month Martin Eberhard, the one-time Tesla CEO, stepped down from the head of the company, worrying some that delays could be on the way. At the time he said, "We are still planning to start production of the Roadster by the end of next month and deliver the first cars to customers this fall. We have a good chance of meeting this goal, but to be fully transparent, I want you to know that while it is within our reach, it is not yet fully within our grasp."
That unfortunately seems to have been a little optimistic, and the schedule has since slipped. The company has now announced a revised production schedule, where they aim to produce 50 Roadsters in the first three months of 2008, and a total of 600 in the year.
On the other hand there's good news about the range on the Tesla, which seems to have climbed back up towards the 250 miles which was initially promised - at one point it had sunk to 200 because of extra engineering needed after tests. If you're on the waiting list to get one of these it must be agonizing. On the other hand, if you're on the waiting list then you're very lucky, be patient. ::Green Car Congress
Tesla, the Airbus A380 of the automotive world.
-Lego
In other words... 6 more months of waiting for the first 50...
But I am still a fan of Tesla, nothing great comes without patience. As other US automakers rely on dragging their feet with the government as their insurance, Tesla is moving forward with its potentially disruptive technology.
Working in an industry full of innovative ideas and tight deadlines (the aircraft interiors industry...no, i'm not kidding) It does not surprise me at all that there are delays and production schedule slides. Nothing is ever as easy or as quick or as sure at it seems at the start BUT, they will get there...and all of the automotive giants will finally see the writing on the wall. Oil Is Dead.
You cant hurry perfection.