Editor’s Note: Related tickers: Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA), Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), General Motors Company (NYSE:GM)
While the launch of a new BMW (BMW.PK) might not have been world news a decade ago, the rise of the electric vehicle industry has brought German luxury automakers into the fold. In fact, one might say that Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA), the hottest EV player of them all, has found a worthy adversary when it comes to the luxury plug-in car market. Other big-name upscale brands like Lincoln (Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F)) and Cadillac (General Motors Company (NYSE:GM)) have introduced hybrids among their flagship sedans, yet BMW has boldly gone down the all-electric road — there is also an optional hybrid version. The BMW i3 production model was showcased this week to a highly captive audience in New York. The rumors and photos leaked beforehand captured the car accurately, and the list of surprises was short.
Credit-rule change could crimp Tesla profits (AutoNews)
A pending rule change by the California Air Resources Board could limit Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA)’ ability to earn money by selling zero-emissions credits — a key factor in the company’s first-quarter profit. The agency is evaluating whether to eliminate the “fast-refueling” rule that allows electric vehicles with quick-swap batteries to gain bonus credits under CARB’s regulations. Those zero-emissions credits are worth big money on the open market, bought by other automakers that can’t comply with clean-air regulations because of the nature of their vehicle fleets. Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA)’s first-quarter profit — the first in the company’s history and key to the automaker’s subsequent stock-price run-up — resulted from being able to sell its ZEV credits.
2014 Nissan Friend ME Concept Car Unveiled in China (Car4Edge)
After a 300% Gain, Is Tesla Still a Buy? (Fool)
In the following video, analyst Brendan Byrnes speaks with Fool contributor Andrew Tonner about Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA)and the electric-vehicle market as a whole. Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) has done a great job executing lately, and its stock has absolutely been on fire over the past few months, rising over 300% year to date. The Model S has proved to be a phenomenal car, but longer term, Brendan thinks that a lot of the success of the company will depend on Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA)’s success in tapping the mass market for electric vehicles with a vehicle under $40,000 or so.
What Is Tesla’s Play in China? (WallStCheatSheet)
In every report praising the electric cars of Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA), no one ever remarks about how affordable they are. The cost of owning a luxurious electric ride like the Model S nears $70,000, all told. For this reason, the announcement Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) was headed to China was baffling. After the duties and taxes imported cars would face, what could Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA)’s play in China possibly be? …As for why Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) would want to make hay in China, the answer is obvious: the world’s largest auto market cannot be ignored by any serious industry player, EV or not. Yet since timing is everything, and few people anywhere can afford a Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA), the type of price hike necessary to import a Model S to China would cause heavy sticker shock. According to Forbes, the possibility of the car’s price doubling is real.
Tesla Motors Inc (TSLA) Model S To Get Phone Tethering, Tile Precaching, And WiFi Soon (Pulse2)
Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) chief executive officer and product architect Elon Musk spoke at the Teslive 2013 in Northern California on the weekend of July 12th. Last week, Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) added the recorded video from Elon Musk’s talks at the event on YouTube. The town hall event was an opportunity for Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) owners and enthusiasts to ask questions and share ideas about the company. …Around the 37:34 mark in the video below, one of the attendees at the event said: “my one question would be on the valet parking. Is there any thought to being able to limit the speed of the car? Of course, we are all very protective of our cars. We don’t want anyone else to get in it and do some crazy things. Will there be any though to limiting that via a button on the valet?”
