Tesla wants the "Big Three" to make its 3rd car
The Tesla Roadster has arrived and the company's Whitestar follow-up project is under development, but Tesla's looking for a little help with its third car, and it's reportedly turned its eye toward Motown. On Wednesday, Tesla president Darryl Siry told Greentech Media at Piper Jaffray's Clean Technology and Renewables Conference in New York City that the third vehicle from carmaker -- expected to be a compact sports car costing $30,000 to $35,000 -- will be "high volume" and that the company wants partnerships with Detroit's "Big Three" American automakers for its production.Another bit of Tesla news is that the amount the company is looking for a $75m to $100m investment from a "large Series E" equity fund this summer, and it was also confirmed that Tesla recently got a $40m investment through a bridge loan.
Hmmm. Does this Big 3 talk mean Tesla is trying to sell itself? Siry says "[being purchased] is not our desired outcome."
Related:
- Tesla to show final design, working prototype of Whitestar this year
- Videos of the first production Tesla's arrival and test drive
- Does the airbag waiver mean the Tesla Roadster isn't safe for kids?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jj 7:05PM (2/23/2008)
Tesla is sounding more like GM, more like they're headed into the RED.
I'm disappointed. Who would sell a different product,EV, with the help of a money losing big 3 and see it as help? I wish they'd hire me.
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TIMMAH! 11:55PM (2/23/2008)
Oh please let it not be Chrysler...
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Chris M 4:02AM (2/24/2008)
Actually, it makes sense. It is not uncommon for a company that has high demand but insufficient production facilities to subcontract production to another company that happens to have a suitable production line that is idle. It can be a win-win situation for both companies.
Well, Tesla is forcasting high demand, and the "Detroit 3" have idle production lines.
Of course, Tesla might end up buying a factory, maybe one that was recently closed due to slow SUV sales...
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