PALO ALTO, CA--(Marketwire - May 24, 2012) - [ Tesla Motors ] (NASDAQ: [ TSLA ]) is growing its network of retail stores across the United States in preparation for deliveries of [ Model S ], the world's first premium electric sedan. This Friday, Tesla will open its first U.S. store of the year at [ The Westchester ] shopping center in White Plains, New York.

Tesla is reinventing the car-buying experience with its unique retail model. Tesla Westchester, the first store of its kind on the East Coast, will feature a hands-on exhibit of the Model S drivetrain, a Design Studio where customers can customize their own Model S, and an interactive touchscreen experience designed to engage and inform customers about Tesla's advanced technology and the benefits of driving electric. The store will open with four Model S Betas on display, a record number of vehicles at a Tesla store opening.

"Our sales strategy is very different from the rest of the automotive industry -- we put our stores in high foot-traffic locations so we can tell as many people as possible about Tesla's incredible cars," says George Blankenship, Tesla's vice president of worldwide sales and ownership experience. "Opening our own stores allows us to ensure consumers interested in learning more about Tesla will receive an amazing customer experience from the moment they walk through the door."

Tesla Westchester will be the 22^nd company-owned store worldwide. The company will open four additional stores this summer at [ 3rd Street Promenade ] in Santa Monica, California, [ Fashion Square ] in Scottsdale, Arizona, [ Washington Square ] in Portland, Oregon, and on [ Lincoln Road ] in Miami Beach, Florida. These stores will expand Tesla's "new retail experience" to both new and existing markets.

Model S was designed from the ground up as an electric car. Engineered for performance, it offers a premium ride, great handling and accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in as little as 4.4 seconds. With seating for five adults and two children in optional rear-facing seats, plus ample cargo space, Model S blends smart design with cutting-edge technology. The 17" in-dash touchscreen with wireless capabilities allows for streaming radio, navigation and web browsing. Model S is offered with three battery pack options to suit a variety of drivers' needs, and can be recharged using any conventional outlet. Tesla has more than 10,000 reservations for Model S worldwide.

Tesla's attention to a high quality customer experience extends to vehicle [ service ]. Tesla owners can service their cars at one of Tesla's regional service centers. In addition, Tesla Rangers travel from service hubs to perform annual inspections, firmware upgrades and other maintenance at customers' homes or offices.

About Tesla
Tesla's goal is to accelerate the world's transition to electric mobility. Palo Alto, California based Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components for partners such as Toyota and Daimler. Tesla has delivered more than 2,250 Roadsters to customers worldwide. Model S, the first premium sedan to be built from the ground up as an electric vehicle, begins deliveries in June 2012.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the initial delivery date of Model S, Model S performance characteristics and Tesla store opening plans, are "forward-looking statements" that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, and as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those projected. Various important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including the risks and uncertainties identified under the sections captioned "Risk Factors" and "MD&A" in Tesla's Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2012. Tesla disclaims any obligation to update information contained in these forward-looking statements.