Tesla Confirms Plans For Australia, Dates And Models Still Unclear

FOLLOWING NEWS LAST month that Tesla Motors would discontinue the current generation Roadster next year, an announcement this week has confirmed that the sporty electric convertible will live on into 2012.

Of more importance to local enviro-conscious buyers however is news that Tesla is set to follow its recent UK launch with an attack on the Australian and Asian markets.

Responding to customer demand, Tesla has negotiated agreements with key suppliers that will increase total Roadster production by 40% and extend sales into 2012," this month's Tesla Motors newsletter reads.

In the coming year, you'll find Roadsters in more countries as we expand to Australia and Asia. Customers in 23 countries have now taken delivery of their Roadster - last month we delivered the first Roadsters to Spain and Ireland.

No dates for Tesla's Australian launch have been offered, but with an all-new Roadster due in 2013, the brand is unlikely to make a local appearance before then.

Tesla will soon add a second model to its line-up, in the form of the stylish 2012 Model S sedan. The base Model S will be available in America for US$49,900 after a government rebate of US$7500. Tesla expects to sell 20,000 units annually by the end of the first year of production.