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Tesla Roadster Production to End in 2011, New Version Expected in 2013

 
1,555 views Feb 1, 2010

brabus tesla roadster essen 011

brabus tesla roadster essen 011

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According to a report from Wired's Autopia site, the Tesla Roadster that we are familiar with will come to the end of its production run in 2011.  A new version of the Roadster will appear in 2013.

Autopia came across the information while perusing through the filings made by Tesla with the Security and Exchange Commission.  The filings were necessary as Tesla had to submit paperwork for its IPO.  Within the paperwork, Autopia found these statements that appear to verify the future of the Roadster.

"We do not plan to sell our current generation Tesla Roadster after 2011 due to planned tooling changes at a supplier for the Tesla Roadster.... As a result, we anticipate that we may generate limited, if any, revenue from selling electric vehicles after 2011 until the launch of the planned model S..."

The Tesla Roadster is built at the Lotus plant in England.  The Roadster shares its underpinnings with the Elise model.  It's highly likely that Lotus will be replacing the current Elise with a new version by 2012-2013 which means that Tesla will not have a chassis available for their Roadster as Lotus prepares for the changeover.

One possible problem could crop up at a later date.  The Tesla Model S in not due for release until 2012 which leaves a gap with possibly no vehicles for the company to sell from the time that the Roadster exits production until the time that the Model S enters production.  Without a model, Tesla could face some financial difficulties.  Additionally, any delay in the Model S would become problematic.

The all new Roadster will go on sale in 2013 so those interested in a Tesla offering will have more than one choice by then.  Look for additional information about the next generation Roadster soon.

Source:  Autopia





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Comments (8)

  1. By Chris O Posted: 2/1/2010 4:13am PST

    Sounds like the best thing to do for Tesla really. Sales of the Roadster are already flattening out and would have collapsed anyway by 2011 because it's just too expensive to compete with rivals that will enter the market by then like the Fisker Karma. Even the upcoming Model S itself will be a nail in the coffin of Roadster sales. A more practical proposition at half the price it would definitely be worth the wait for prospective Roadster customers. Best strategy: cut your losses and focus your resources on the Model S. Still: the Roadster is definitely a classic which, build with durable materials like aluminium and carbon and fitted with an electric drivetrain will probably last their owners a lifetime, even getting better over the years when it can be upgraded with improved battery technology.
     
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  2. By Jason M. Hendler Posted: 2/1/2010 9:41am PST

    I wonder how this effects all those stores they've been opening around the world. Other than the services they offer on vehicles already sold, there isn't anything for them to do but take orders for the Model S. I disagree that sales were flattening - Tesla never had an inventory on hand for car buyers to drive home the same day - that makes a huge difference for sales. If Tesla could sell Roadsters, they should until Model S sales cause Roadster sales to collapse.
     
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  3. By EVO Posted: 2/1/2010 1:03pm PST

    Jason,
    Just like Lexus IS and/or or Volvo S60 sales caused Porsche Boxster and/or BMW Z4 sales to collapse? Oh, wait, that didn't happen. Never mind...
     
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  4. By Jason M. Hendler Posted: 2/1/2010 3:47pm PST

    EVO, right now, there are no highway capable EV's in the Roadster's class, until the Model S goes on sale. Some people want a BEV, and not an EREV, so the Fisker Karma won't compete with Tesla for a segment of the auto market, but the Model S will take sales away from the Roadster.
     
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  5. By Eric E Posted: 2/1/2010 10:43pm PST

    Buy them while you can! The Tesla Roadster is destined to become a priceless collectors car. The only mass produced electric sports car in history...
    The Tesla Roadster will be as well known in 100 years as the Model-T is today.
    The Roadster is the embodiment of American entrepreneurism overcoming the stale mate of bureaucratic corporate impotence. It is the very symbol of popular desire crushing the establishment. It is the voice of thousands of people crying out with desire.
    It is... by definition... Revolutionary!
    If your looking for a long term investment with short term benefits... I can think of none better than a Tesla Roadster.
    Long live the Roadster... Long Live TESLA MOTORS!
     
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  6. By  Chris O Posted: 2/2/2010 4:00am PST

    Eric E: Amen!
    Jason: the notion of Teslas sales flattening out is based on an ABG story a few months ago (URL) that a Roadster ordered in October 2009 would be delivered before Christmas. Tesla's stopping production even before Lotus retooling further proofs this point. In any case Tesla could have opted to order some extra bodies to have continuous production until the Model S arrives but apparently they have no intention to do so.
     
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  7. By Chris O Posted: 2/2/2010 11:40am PST

    Jason: about Tesla/Fisker competetion: Your right of course that a PHEV isn't exactly the same thing as a BEV but between his personal anti-PHEV campaign ("neither fish nor fowl") and his lawsuit against Fisker it would certainly appear that Elon Musk for one thinks that Tesla and Fisker are fishing in the same pond.
     
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  8. By EVO Posted: 2/2/2010 3:04pm PST

    Jason,
    Since when have luxury family sedans and two seat supercars been in the same class? More research and detailed analysis, less blather, please.
     
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