Yokohama ADVAN Neova tires are equipping the Tesla Roadster as the luxury electric car rolls off the assembly line. Production began in March on the sleek and sporty 248-horsepower two-seater, which sells for $98,950. The car can run for 249 miles on a single charge, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds, topping out at 125 mph. Powered by lithium-ion batteries, it emits no pollutants and has received numerous accolades for the vehicle’s celebrated engineering innovations. Tesla Motors Chairman Elon Musk, a co-founder of PayPal, was named Inc. magazine’s 2007 Entrepreneur of the Year. “The all-electric Roadster is a perfect complement to our corporate mandate to create a sustainable business that ultimately has zero adverse affect on the environment,” explains Yokohama Executive Vice President Jim MacMaster as he discusses the 175/55WR-16 and 225/45WR-17 tires affixed to the Tesla. “For Yokohama, this commitment is being reinforced by our innovative work with environmental leaders like Tesla Motors,” he adds. According to Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard, “Playing a role in climate leadership is vital to Tesla Motors. That’s why we’re pleased to be working with Yokohama Tire Corp., using their highly efficient and high performance ADVAN Neova tires. They’re the only tires on the U.S. market that blend great handling with low rolling resistance technology.” The tires are fitted onto custom directional wheels enhanced by an independent, double-wishbone suspension to ensure that each wheel is rolling with optimal tire-to-ground contact, the automaker says. The 2008 manufacturing run at the San Carlos, Calif., Tesla plant is already sold out; more than 900 Roadsters are on reservation list that includes high-profile celebrities such as George Clooney and Matt Damon. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is among those who have taken the vehicle out for a spin, and he gave a rave review at the 100th annual Los Angeles Auto Show. “I test drove this vehicle, and it is hot,” he reports. “Every industry has to participate in the fight against global warming,” Schwarzenegger points out. “And these clean, efficient alternative fuel vehicles are leading this environmental revolution.” With production ramping up, Tesla has opened its first dedicated dealership in L.A.’s Westwood neighborhood, according to the Los Angeles Business Journal. The paper says a second site is due to debut within a few months in San Carlos, followed by additional dealerships planned for Chicago, New York City and other locations by early 2009. The company reports that its Roadster conforms to all U.S. safety, environmental and durability standards. The cars include modern safety equipment such as airbags, front crumple zones, side impact protection and 2.5 mph-impact bumpers. For more information, visit www.teslamotors.com or www.yokohamatire.com. |
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