The Tesla Roadster store opens in Los Angeles
If you happen to have $109,000 burning a hole in your pocket and are eager to buy a zero-emission, all-electric sports car, then you should go to the intersection of Santa Monica and Sepulveda boulevards (just near the 405) and walk into Tesla’s new dealership. Although calling it a dealership makes it sound like a run-of-the-mill car showroom. This is more like a retail outlet.
The store — owned and run by Tesla and covering 10,000 square feet — has gabled wooden ceilings and salaried (not commission-earning) staff. Owners can drink coffee and enjoy free Wi-Fi while enjoying a full view of the service bay. The decor looks as if it was designed by someone who usually does upscale restaurants. On one wall is a selection of colors the car comes in.
The Tesla Roadster runs on a pack of lithium-ion batteries that takes four hours for a full recharge. There was some trouble regarding transmissions, but the company has settled on a one-speed version. After the order is placed, it’s about a 16-month wait until the keys are handed over. And George Clooney will be one of the first to take delivery. Not because he’s famous, but because he put in his order quite awhile back. So far, Tesla has about 1,000 orders.
The showroom is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
— Colin Ryan
Photos: Tesla Motors
