Tesla Store in LA
The hits keep coming for Chicago. First Kanye West goes triple platinum, then Barack Obama trades his Hyde Park digs for the White House and finally, Tesla Motors is making its way to the Windy City.
The makers of the Tesla Roadster electric supercar, have signed a lease in the River West neighborhood at 1053 W Grand Avenue just off the Kennedy Expressway. The store is expected to open within the next two to three months, once Tesla has a chance to spruce the place up.
"People in Chicago will soon see how the Tesla retail experience is vastly different from that of a traditional dealership," said Michael van der Sande, Tesla's Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Marketing and Service. "Tesla's cars are unique, and the look and feel of our stores reinforce the close connection we have with our customers."
Tesla is also expected to unveil a Model S sports sedan prototype on March 26, which would add a more attainable and practicle vehicle to the company's lineup. The Model S should sell for between $50,000 and $60,000.
"Tesla has no intention of being a niche automaker," said Tesla CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk. "The Chicago store will introduce the company to even more people in the United States and position us to launch a more affordable sedan for mainstream drivers."
No introduction necessary here, Mr. Musk. At least one Chicago-area electric car blogger knows all about you.
Source: Tesla Motors
