TESLA HAS confirmed right-hand-drive variants of the electric, two-seat Roadster will be on sale early next year. The California-based company announced the news at the opening of its European showroom in London, from which it hopes to sell up to 100 cars in its first year. The London dealership will serve the Irish market, with Irish prices due to be released in coming months.
Company chiefs are confident that there is still a market for a zero-emissions sports car with a 200-mile range. Tesla has already started taking orders for its Model S saloon – the first mass-produced electric GT with a 300-mile range – despite production not starting until 2011.
In May, Daimler confirmed plans to buy a 10 per cent stake in the company, following a series of financial setbacks for Tesla, including a lawsuit involving rival Fisker Automotive and credit problems that forced the company to seek $350 million (€248 million) of government aid.