Just over three years ago Tesla Motors unveiled its vision for the future of transportation: the Model S all-electric sports sedan. On June 22, 2012, Tesla Motors finally began delivering the first Model S to its customers. Checkout the Tesla Motors delivery event video:
Over a period of three years Tesla Motors developed the Model S sedan from the ground up with persistence and passion. In my personal opinion, the Model S sedan is the classiest, best designed and engineered all-electric vehicle for mass production. Yes, its pricey, but in terms of design and engineering it stands head and shoulders above anything coming out of Asia or Detroit. Nothing even comes close in terms of overall design and performance.
If you haven't see the Model S all-electric sedan, click HERE or checkout all of my blog posts for Tesla Motors by clickingHERE.
Courtesy of a press release dated June 22, 2012 appearing in Tesla Motors website
The electric vehicle world is pretty quiet right now; following the much-hyped launches of the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt (and subsequent criticisms of the Volt’s safety), there hasn’t been much to pique mainstream America’s interest. That’s going to change soon, when the Tesla Model S, billed as "the world’s first premium electric sedan," rolls off the assembly line.
At $49,000 (with a $7,500 tax credit), the vehicle isn’t incredibly cheap--but it’s a bargain compared to Tesla’s old offering, the $109,000 Roadster. And after months of Tesla teasing us with pictures and video, the Model S is finally going to be released on Friday. But Tesla has released some teaser videos of the car in the factory, so we can take a look at the production process of the vehicle. In the video above, we can watch as the vehicle gets stamped.
Below, we can see the body center, a place where robots rivet and weld to their hearts’ content.
Next comes the painting process:
And finally, the assembly center, where high-definition 3-D cameras properly position the panoramic roof, the seats, center console, and the drivetrain and batteries are installed. Exterior components are also added. Then, according to Tesla, comes the industry’s first "all-glass water test booth, where it is sprayed by water from 360 stationary nozzles to ensure your car has perfect water tightness."
The Model S certainly has its skeptics. This Slatearticle sarcastically notes that the
"Tesla Model S is practical and affordable, as long as you’re rich."
And many peopleagreethat this is a make or break moment for Tesla. For the sake of the larger electric vehicle industry, we hope Tesla succeeds. At the very least, the industry could use a little excitement. Stay tuned--we’ll be at the Model S launch this week and will come back with in-person impressions.
COMMENTARY:
FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 2012 at 3:30 p.m. PDT
It’s really happening. In three days, we will be delivering Model S. I've heard from many of you that you would like to be a part of this incredible occasion, and we definitely want you to be there. In order to make this happen we will be providing a live webcast of the event on ourInside Tesla page. Join us from your home, office, or mobile device at around 3:30 p.m. PST this Friday to watch some of our very first Model S customers receive their keys. For many of us, this is something we have been looking forward to for a long, long time. We hope you join us to share this incredible moment.
I look forward to seeing many of you this weekend at the Fremont test drive event and look forward to your recommendations on the Opportunity Console. Next week will be the final installment of Inside Tesla. It will be filled with lots of images and anecdotes from our delivery event.
The countdown is now almost complete and it’s time for you to drive Model S. See you on the road!
GeorgeB
Courtesy of an article dated June 21, 2012 appearing in Fast Company Exist
The excitement is really starting to build as we count down the days to our first Model S deliveries. We are ahead of schedule and can’t wait to put our first Reservation Holders behind the wheel! We’ve been looking forward to this day for over three years, and the buzz around the office and the factory is escalating every day.
FIRST DELIVERIES SCHEDULED!
The Tesla Factory will begin customer deliveries of the 2012 Model S sedan on June 22nd!!! We have a great day planned for our employees to celebrate this incredible event and will be webcasting the actual delivery ceremony on teslamotors.com. My heart is racing just thinking about it!
I find myself spending more and more time at the factory lately as we prepare to deliver our first cars. As I walk alongside the assembly line, past the paint booths and through the Plastics Center, I think there are lots of interesting activities going on that you might like to see. I am amazed at how fast our robots can position major sections of the car and how quickly our massive presses can transform huge rolls of aluminum into doors, hoods and battery enclosures.
Tesla Motors Model S sedan for 2012
Several weeks ago I challenged the teams at Deer Creek and Fremont to find a way to share some of these cool activities with our friends and family around the world. I’m happy to say they have met the challenge. Starting with this post, we officially begin a new series called “Inside Tesla.” Every Tuesday from now through the start of Model S deliveries we are going to post a blog with a new video and a collection of images highlighting a segment of the Model S manufacturing process. Be on the lookout, we might also have a few surprises to share along the way :).
EVENTS AND STORE OPENINGS
We will continue to hold Model S events in other areas during the countdown to June 22nd. A few weeks ago we held our “Signature - Four Color” event at Tesla Fashion Island in Newport Beach, California. It was the second time we had four Model S Beta cars, in all four Signature colors, on display at a Tesla Retail Store. It was great! Many thanks to the 9,000 visitors who stopped by to see us throughout the weekend. Given the energy and excitement surrounding these types of events, we thought it would be fun to create an Event Gallery on teslamotors.com to share some of our favorite photos and videos. Check it out and let us know what you think!
Tesla Motors showroom in Fashion Island Mall in Newport Beach, CA. Site of the Tesla Fashion Island Signature Weekend, May 4, 2012 (Click Image To Enlarge)
One of the most frequent comments I hear at events is
“You always do everything on the West Coast. How about doing something on the East Coast?”
So, East Coast here we come! This weekend we open our first “new design” store on the East Coast at The Westchester in White Plains, New York. We are bringing four Betas to the opening. This is the first time the “Signature - Four Color” event will be on the East Coast and the first time we’ve assembled four Model S Beta cars at a store opening. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at the opening.
We haven’t forgotten about our fans north of the border. Last week we launched a five-city Model S Beta tour through Canada. After first stopping in Ottawa and Laval, Quebec, the Signature Red Model S Beta will take up temporary residence in Etobicoke, Ontario this week before moving on to Calgary and Vancouver in June. We hope to see you along the way!
MODEL S UPDATES
I’d like to share a few Model S updates that again underscore how personalized YOUR Model S can be. Model S can be adjusted exactly the way YOU like it.
Regen(erative) braking
One of the engineering advantages that make an EV better than any gas-powered car is regenerative braking. When you take your foot off the Model S accelerator, energy is fed back into the battery, which causes the car to slow down (a similar feel to downshifting with a manual transmission). One of our Firmware engineers wrote a great blog about this technology shortly after the release of our Tesla Roadster. Over the past few years, we have learned that not everyone likes the same amount of Regen. Some owners like a little more resistance, some like a little less. Having less Regen means you will likely get less range, but some people still prefer the feel of their car with less Regen. We listened to your requests and I’m pleased to announce that Model S Regen will be adjustable. You can adjust Regen to suit your driving style.
Adjustable Steering
One of the many benefits of driving a Tesla is that almost everything can be adjusted. Even the steering on Model S is adjustable, which allows you to change the resistance required to turn the steering wheel. You’ll be able to choose between Comfort, Standard, and Sport steering.
Personalize your Suspension
As you can see, we’re developing a theme here – personalization. At Tesla, we are thinking differently about the way you connect with your car. Every Tesla customer is different, so we thought everyone should have the option to set his or her preference for suspension and ride height. With Active Air Suspension, a car set a little lower to the ground will reduce aero drag. You may choose to raise the suspension a few inches when faced with pesky speed bumps or very high when loading up the Frunk with groceries and supplies for a summer BBQ.
Range Testing
I’m thrilled to report that range & efficiency testing has been completed on our 85 kWh Model S. We’ve exceeded expectations. Elon and JB just posted a blog explaining recent changes to EPA testing procedures and how they relate to Model S. It’s definitely worth checking out. I think it answers a lot of questions about EV range and efficiency.
These are very exciting times at Tesla and we’re looking forward to sharing them with each and every one of you as we countdown to June 22nd. We can’t wait to make every new owner smile as they jump behind the wheel of the most personalized and fun driving experience they’ve ever had. Be sure to check out “Inside Tesla” every Tuesday and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitterfor the latest updates and news. See you this weekend, East Coast.
Let the countdown begin!!!
COMMENTARY: Elon Musk is really on a roll. He just succesfully launched SpaceX's Faclon 9 rocket and docked the Dragon spacecraft with the Internatinoal Space Station. Now he is getting ready to deliver the first Tesla Motors Model S sedans on June 22, 2012. Halleluhaj!
The Model S sedan is an absolutely the most beautiful, luxurous and technologically advanced all-electric sedan available today. Elon Musk has done it again.
Courtesy of a blog post dated May 22, 2012 by George Blankenship, Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Ownership Experience appearing in the Tesla Enthusiasts Blog
The Personal Air and Land Vehicle or PAL-V One can be configured as a three-wheeled automobile or flying gyrocopter (Click Image To Enlarge)
Flying Car Makes Successful Maiden Flight
In early April 2012, the Dutch company PAL-V Europe NV announced that it had successfully concluded test flights of its flying car, PAL-V One or Personal Air and land Vehicle. Two weeks prior to the announcement, several test flights were conducted at the Gilze Rijen Airport (The Netherlands). The PAL-V One flies in the air like a gyrocopter with lift generated by an auto-rotating rotor and forward speed produced by a foldable push propeller on the back. On the road it drives like a sports car. No new infrastructure is required because it uses existing roads and airstrips.
PAL-V One during its maiden flight (Click Images To Enlarge)
This unique PAL-V One marks the beginning of a new era in flying automobiles. The first deliveries of the commercial version are expected in 2014.
Video below.
About The PAL-V One
The PAL-V ONE is a two seat hybrid car and gyroplane: a personal air and land vehicle. What makes the PAL-V ONE attractive is the convenience of fully integrated door-to-door transportation.
On the ground this slim, aerodynamic, 3-wheeled vehicle has the comfort of a car with the agility of a motorcycle thanks to its patented, cutting-edge, ‘tilting’ system. It can be driven to the nearest airfield and take off just like any other airplane. The single rotor and propeller are unfolded to make the PAL-V ONE ready to fly.
PAL-V One during its maiden flight (Click Images To Enlarge)
When airborne, the PAL-V usually flies below 4,000 feet (1,200 m), the airspace available for uncontrolled Visual Flight Rules (VFR) traffic; so there will be no interference from commercial air traffic. Furthermore, the PAL-V is powered by a very robust, flight certified aircraft engine. It runs on gasoline. It can reach speeds of up to 180 km/h (112 mph) both on land and in the air.
The PAL-V ONE has a very short take off and landing capability, making it possible to land practically anywhere. When not using controlled airspace, you can take off without filing a flight plan. Flying a PAL-V is like a standard gyrocopter. It is quieter than helicopters due to the slower rotation of the main rotor. It takes off and lands with low speed, cannot stall, and is very easy to control. The gyroplane technology means that it can be steered and landed safely even if the engine fails, because the rotor keeps auto rotating.
The PAL-V One Experience
On the road, the PAL-V ONE accelerates like a sports car. The razor sharp cornering makes you feel like you are skiing elegantly and effortlessly down a beautiful mountain. When flying, the PAL-V is very safe and easy to handle, opening up new dimensions of the personal freedom you have always wanted to experience. Fly-drive to an island, soar over that traffic jam, sail above water, create your own virtual bridge, cross that mountain range as freely as a bird. Go wherever you want to go whenever you feel like it and… fully enjoy the new experiences your PAL-V ONE offers!
Transformation From Airplane To Automobile
Converting the PAL-V ONE from airplane to automobile is a very easy process which takes about 10 minutes. Once the engine stops, the propeller folds itself automatically into the driving position. Pushing a button then lowers the rotor mast into the horizontal position. The same motion lowers the tail. The outer blades are folded over the inner blades via hinge mechanisms. The last steps in the process are to push the tail into its driving position and secure the rotor blades. This conversion can be executed by the driver/pilot after just a short training lesson. To convert from driving to flying mode, simply reverse the sequence.
Styling and Design
The distinctive look of the PAL-V is the result of an uncompromising design approach that integrates both aerodynamic and stylistic requirements. It is dynamic without being overbearing and delivers elegance rather than extravagance. The result is a timeless exterior that maintains excellent aerodynamics. What the driver/pilot sees, hears, and feels is all in harmony. The reward is total involvement: a level of engagement and experience that truly stimulates the senses.
PAL-V DVC Tilting Technology
The PAL-V drives using the patented DVC™ tilting technologies invented for the Carver ONE (a two-passenger land vehicle). Watch movie: “carver driving”
Steer it like a car and it banks like a motorcycle. It sounds deceptively simple, and it truly is! At the heart of the PAL-V lies the Dynamic Vehicle Control (DVC™) system which automatically adjusts the tilt angle of the vehicle to its speed and acceleration, enabling a plane-like ’tilting while cornering’ performance.
The driver’s input via steering torque is distributed between the front wheel steering angle and the vehicle tilting angle. This distribution is automatically adjusted to varying speeds and road conditions to ensure an optimal balance at all times. At lower speeds, the steering torque is directed to the front wheel angle and the passenger compartment remains upright. At higher speeds the steering torque is mainly directed to the tilt angle of the cockpit.
The genius of the DVC™ technology is in its simplicity: essentially a mechanical-hydraulic system. It relies on proven technology resulting in a reliable responsive, and above all, extremely safe steering system.
With the PAL-V ONE, tilting in corners becomes second nature.
Technical Specifications
Click Image To Enlarge
Pricing
Not Available Yet
COMMENTARY: PAL-V Europe NV was started in 2001 by Ir Robert Dingemanse co-founder and CEO to design a roadable aircraft. It evaluated many potential technologies and created numerous concepts in cooperation with well-known research institutes and universities. The most important breakthrough was the maturing of the DVC tilting technology in 2005. This brought into reach the design of a real flying car instead of a roadable aircraft. This technology allowed for safe driving without compromises while having a high centre of gravity and a narrow aerodynamic shape necessary for flying. The first real “flying car” concept was born!
Having designed and patented their findings and concepts, PAL-V Europe NV hired a team of very skilled engineers with automotive, aviation and motorcycle backgrounds and started the engineering of its proof-of-concept prototypes. World-class partners were selected and contracted for several system elements. This led to the first flight of PAL-V’s proof-of-concept prototype in 2012.
Since then the company entered the next phase of development, engineering the first commercial version, optimizing the design, and starting up production. This will result in the market launch of the first model: the PAL-V ONE: the first, exclusive, limited, historic edition in its line-up of flying car models. The next chapter in the history of mobility is being written, by PAL-V, today!
A team of top engineers has been working on the first prototypes since finalization of the design concept in 2008. Renowned institutes such as the Dutch National Aerospace Laboratory and Delft University have also been involved in the development. The driving prototype was fully tested in 2009 and now the flying-driving prototype has made its first flights. The PAL-V complies with existing regulations in all major markets, which means that the vehicle is allowed both in road traffic and in the air. Robert Dingemanse, CEO and co-founder of PAL-V commented:
“We are very proud to announce this successful maiden flight of the PAL-V and we now invite investors to create the future with us. We know there is a lot of interest for the PAL-V. Prior to announcing these test flights, we were already approached on a daily basis by potential customers and dealers wanting to be part of this exciting project.”
A PAL-V offers the choice of flying like a plane or driving like a car. This means fast door-to-door mobility for private individuals as well as professionals and organizations. The flying range will be between 350 (220 miles) and 500 km (315 miles), depending on the type, pay load and wind conditions. Driving, a PAL-V will have a range of about 1200 km (750 miles). It runs on gasoline like a conventional car and there will also be versions that use biodiesel or bio-ethanol. It can reach speeds of up to 180 km/h (110 miles/h) both on land and in the air.
On the ground the slim, aerodynamic, 3-wheeled vehicle combines the comfort of a car with the agility of a motorcycle thanks to its patented, cutting-edge, ‘tilting’ system. Driving, a PAL-V accelerates like a sports car and drives through curves like a motorcycle.Flying, a PAL-V is like a standard gyrocopter. It is quieter than helicopters due to the slower rotation of the main rotor. It takes off and lands with low speed, cannot stall, and is very easy to control. This makes a PAL-V one of the safest types of aircraft. Obtaining a licence requires only 20 to 30 hours of training.Thanks to its very short take off and landing capability, it is possible to land a PAL-V practically anywhere. For take-off, a strip of 165 meters (540 feet) is enough and it can be either paved or grass. Governments are already preparing for increasing traffic with Personal Air Vehicles like the PAL-V. In the United States and in Europe government-funded development programs are determining the infrastructure of ‘digital freeways’ to provide a safe corridor using GPS technology. The technology is available today to allow personal air traffic to grow safely. PAL-V Europe N.V. is determined to play a leading role in this market.
Courtesy of various press releases issued by PAL-V Europe NV
Enzo Anselmo Ferrari (1898-1988), race car driver, entrepreneur and founder of Ferrari Motors
ENZO FERRARI’S CLASSIC CARS GET THE ULTIMATE GARAGE—A MUSEUM IN MODENA DESIGNED BY FUTURE SYSTEMS.
There was a time when Enzo Ferrari’s last name didn’t conjure up visions of the ultimate sleek-and-sexy sports car. The man came of age at the turn of the last century just as autos started to rev their engines, and competed as a driver and racing team manager for Alfa Romeo before starting his own manufacturing company and forever shaping the industry he adored. Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari, a new museum in his hometown of Modena, Italy, pays tribute to Ferrari’s fame with two complementary structures that nod to his humble past and impressive legacy.
Click Images To Enlarge
London-based architectural firm Future Systems won an international competition to design the new building in 2004 with a curvaceous, swooping structure consistent with the studio’s signature style. After principal Jan Kaplický’s passing in 2009, the commission went to Future Systems alum Amanda Morgante and Shiro Studio, who completed the project according to Kaplický’s original plans. The striking “Modena yellow” aluminum roof sweeps across the red brick dotted skyline like a hood, or “bonnet,” complete with incisions that evoke auto air intake vents. Here, those allow natural light into the 56,000-square-foot museum, which showcases classic models in an expansive, crisp-white setting. Just adjacent is a complete refurbishment of Ferrari’s early home and workshop, built by his father in the 1830s, where visitors can learn about the man behind the brand.
Click Images To Enlarge
COMMENTARY: Enzo Anselmo Ferrari (February 18, 1898 – August 14, 1988) was an Italian race car driver and entrepreneur, the founder of the Scuderia FerrariGrand Prix motor racing team, and subsequently of the Ferrari car manufacturer. He was often referred to as "il Commendatore".
Ferrari grew up in Modena where his father was a manufacturer. He decided he wanted to become a racing driver at a young age, after going to the races in Bologna with his family.
Ferrari grew up in Modena where his father was a manufacturer. He decided he wanted to become a racing driver at a young age, after going to the races in Bologna with his family.Enzo Ferrari was born on 18 February 1898 in Modena and grew up with little formal education but he always knew he wanted to be a racing driver.
The First World War killed both his father and brother in 1916. Enzo was enlisted in the third Alpine Artillery of the Italian army until he contracted the deadly flu at the end of the war. He survived.
The jobs that he took immediately after the war were all related to cars. He worked for CMN and Vespa as a test driver, and then got a position at Alfa Romeo. At the same time, he was developing as a driver, taking part in the first post-war sporting event of 1919.
His success in racing got him promoted to full factory driver for Alfa Romeo and he started taking part in higher profile events. He was awarded by the new leader, Mussolini, for his ability.
In 1932, he married Laura with whom he had a son called Alfredo in the same year. He was brought up to be Enzo's successor but he died from muscular dystrophy in 1956.
His interest in the technical dimension of cars meant that he was not content to be a driver. During the next war he was involved in manufacturing for the war effort.
Ferrari's mistress Lina Lardi gave birth to his son Piero in 1945, who was named as his successor after Laura's death in 1978. He is now vice-president of the firm.
In 1946, Ferrari produced the first car to take his name. The Ferrari company flourished in the post-war economy of the 1950s. He raced in the Formula One Championships when they were first established in 1950 but he did not get his first victory until the British Grand Prix in 1951.
His team won their first F1 Championship in the 1952-53 season. His decision to continue racing in the dangerous and grueling long-distance competition Mille Miglia brought his company new victories and public recognition.
In 1957, a Ferrari car driven by Alfonso de Portago blew a tyre and crashed into the roadside crash at the Mille Miglia. The driver, co-driver and nine spectator including five children were killed. In response, Ferrari and tyre manufacturer Englebert were charged with manslaughter as they chose to let the car continue for an extra stage rather than stop for a tyre change. It was dismissed in 1961.
The firm's greatest victories were enjoyed at Le Mans rather than in F1 despite a number of victories during the 1960s in Grand Prix.
The man himself remained dedicated to the company for the rest of his life; many considered him a workaholic. After his death, his management was called into question as seven Ferrari drivers were killed while racing between the late 1950s and through the 1960s - a high toll even for that period.
Even though it was responsible for making some of the most stylish models of car of that era, the company's fortunes declined in the 1960s, and 90 per cent of it was bought by Fiat in 1969.
Ferrari stood down as company president in 1971, although he remained closely involved until his death in 1988. He died at the start of the Honda-McLaren dominance of F1 but the Ferrari team has enjoyed success in recent years with the brand winning the world championship in 2004 with Michael Schumacher and in 2007 with Kimi Raikkonen.
Ferrari Motors dedicated the Ferrari Enzo to Mr. Ferrari.
The Ferrari Enzo is dedicated to Enzo Ferrari, founder of Ferrari Motors (Click Images To Enlarge)
For wallpaper images of all Ferrari cars click HERE.
Courtesy of an article dated April 12, 2012 appearing in Fast Company Design
Charlie Sheen in happier times while filming on the set of "Two And A Half Men"
There was always a pretty good chance that Charlie Sheen, if he made it through last year's haze alive, would eventually make a return to reputable advertising—meaning not just borderline-incoherent sponsored tweets. And sure enough, here he is in new commercials for DirecTV and Fiat. Both are actually pretty damn good. Of course, to be credible whatsoever, both spots had to make fun of Sheen.
Charlie Sheen in a Turkish bath scene for a DirecTV television commercial (Click Image To Enlarge)
The DirecTV spot, from Grey in New York, does the best job of this—suggesting that a personal encounter with Sheen only happens at the end of a long slide into degradation (set in motion by the frustration of having regular cable TV). The twist ending is nice, too—instead of doing blow off some model's backside, the protagonist and Sheen wind up play-acting Platoon like a couple of schoolboys.
The Fiat spot, by Doner in Detroit, is a little more obvious—as Charlie squeals and spins in his Fiat Abarth around his own mansion. Later, as he stands next to Romanian model Catrinel Menghia (who starred in Fiat's Super Bowl spot by The Richards Group), Sheen blurts out: "I love being under house arrest!" The ad, which had a shot at airing on the Super Bowl but reportedly wasn't finished in time, would be better if Sheen had ever actually been under house arrest. (He hasn't been.) Still, not a bad comeback for a guy who, by any objective measure, should probably be dead.
The FIAT 500 Abarth television commercial featuring Charlie Sheen
COMMENTARY: I've been wanting to create a follow-up to my previous posts about Charlie Sheen, so when I discovered that Charlie had appeared in two television commercials and was on the comeback trail with a new role in a television series, I thought this was a great time to do this.
Charlie has changed a lot since he was fired from "Two and a Half Men." He now has nearly 6.8 million fans on Twitter, happy with one goddess instead of two, patched up relationship with ex-wife Denise Richards, playing the daddy role again, is more even-keeled and less off-the-wall, so I thought it would be interesting to retrace what went wrong, what has gone right, and how the comeback all started.
How Social Media Resurrected Charlie Sheen's Career
Following his expulsion from the incredibly popular Two and a Half Men, Sheen began his uphill quest to resurrect his personal brand by capitalizing on his popularity and large TV fan base. At the time, a lot of people didn't realize it, but social media played a pivotal role in his incredible comeback.
In my opinion, Sheen's comeback began in March 1, 2011 when Charlie opened a Twitter account (@charliesheen), and without posting a single Tweet, had over 60,000 followers within an hour. In two blog posts dated March 5, 2011 and March 5, 2011, I commented on how quickly Charlie had amassed 1.8 million followers in a matter of only about five days. That's when I joined in and became a Charlie Sheen follower. According to Twitter, Sheen set a new record, becoming the first user to amass 1 million users than anyone else. Charlie definitely took advantage of his new found noterioty and regularly Tweeted to his follower's on Twitter. Today, @charliesheen has nearly 6.8 million Twitter followers and counting.
Charlie's "Violent Torpedo of Truth Defeat Is Not An Option" Road Show
To engage and get closer to his fans, Sheen did a live stream from his house on March 4, 2011. He called it Charlie's Korner and proclaimed,
"You're either in Charlie's Korner or you are a troll."
I was unable to tune into Charlie's Korner live streams, but here the one that took place on March 8, 2011 with Charlie ranting insults at Chuck Lorre, the producer of "Two And A Half Men":
Intense shit, isn't it? #Warlock is #winning?
Charlie promised more live streams, but he needed money because the $2 million payment he earned per episode for "Two And A Half Men" had ended when he was fired, so he quickly ended the live streams, and announced that he would do a paid multi-city Charlie Sheen Live roadshow produced and promoted by Live Nation titled, "Violent Torpedo of Truth Defeat Is Not An Option."
Tickets for the first show in Detroit scheduled for April 2, 2011 quickly sold-out, but the show bombed, with angry fans booing and heckling the former Two and a Half Men star, demanding their money back, but the unapologetic actor was uninterested, telling one member of the crowd
"I've already got your money, dude."
Charlie Sheen and his "goddesses," his two girlfriends were roundly booed and heckled by the Detroit audience, but Charlie seemed disintered (Click Image To Enlarge)
Sheen didn't help his cause any by saying during the show:
"Let me tell you a story about crack."
Charlie figured Detroit was a good place to try this joke, but it backfired. He had also promised a personal appearance by rapper Snoop Dog, but this did not happen, and this pissed off a lot of people.
The capacity crowd at the 5,100-seat Fox Theatre in Detroit rebelled before he left the stage, chanting ‘refund!’ and walking out in droves. After the Detroit show concluded, the crowds gathered outside of the theater demonstrated their displeasure with the show.
The crowds booed and checkled throughout the Charlie's Detroit live show. (Click Image To Enlarge)
Linda Fugate, 47, of the Detroit suburb of Lincoln Park, who paid $150 for two seats, walked outside and up the block yelling,
"I want my money back!" I was hoping for something. I didn't think it would be this bad."
Charlie Sheen fans gathered in front of the Detroit's Fox Theater before the 8:00 p.m. show (Click Image To Enlarge)
Fans who gathered outside the theatre before the doors opened the day of the show — some who had to fly in for the show — said they were hoping to see the increasingly eccentric actor deliver some of the colourful rants that have made him an internet star since his ugly falling out with CBS and the producers of Two and a Half Men.
They got the ranting. It just wasn't very funny.
Rodney Gagnon, 34 of Windsor, Ontario said.
"I expected him to at least entertain a little bit. It was just a bunch of ranting."
Many show biz critics predicted Charlie's live roadshows were doomed, but Charlie quickly hired better management who then proceeded to change the show format. Sheen promised to give fans "the real story."
In the new roadshow format, Charlie surrounded himself with "a cast of characters" and played off them—comedians, actors, random people in his life. There would be no strippers. Charlie wanted the shows to be fun for all his fans, especially women, who makeup the bulk of his fans.
Sheens fans are so forgiving and quickly got over the Detroit disappointment. Charlie was able to successfully conclude his 20-city live tour, and in the process by some estimates grossed an estimated $7 million from ticket sales and sales of branded merchandise like T-shirts, hats and mugs emblazoned with his name and famous catch phrases like "Winning", "Duh, Winning", "Tiger Blood", "Warlock" and "Goddess.
Charlie Sheen The Brand
In a blog post dated August 8, 2011, I formally declared Charlie Sheen a legitimate brand. At that time Sheen had consumated or was working on deals for a Charlie Sheen comic book, a Tiger Blood energy drink, a branded merchandise deal with Live Nation, a sponsorship deal with Ad.ly, a company that matches people on Twitter with businesses looking to spread the word out about their products, and had signed a contract to do Anger Management, a first-run syndication television series scheduled for airing in 2012.
Ashton Kutcher Replaces Charlie On "Two And A Half Men"
On May 13, 2011, CBS and Warner Bros, issued a statement that actor Ashton Kutcher had agreed to a one-year deal to replace Charlie Shee n on "Two And A Half Men."
2.5 Men producer Chuck Lorre (left), Ashton Kutcher (center) and co-star Jon Cryer (right) at a press conference for the new "Two and a Half Men" (Click Image To Enlarge)
2.5 Men had been in a state of limbo following the firing of Charlie Sheen in March 2011. Production on the ninth season of "Two and a Half Men," the No 1 TV comedy series on CBS, was to begin during the summer for broadcast in the fall.
In case you missed it, here are some clips from Season 9, Episode 1 of the new "Two And A Half Men" starring Ashton Kutcher:
Click Image To View Video
Kutcher said in a statement released by the network and the studio.
"I can't wait to get to work with this ridiculously talented 2.5 team and I believe we can fill the stage with laughter that will echo in viewers' homes. I can't replace Charlie Sheen but I'm going to work my ass off to entertain the hell out of people!"
Chuck Lorre, creator and executive producer of "Two and a Half Men," said in the statement.
"We are so lucky to have someone as talented, joyful and just plain remarkable as Ashton joining our family. Added to that is the deep sigh of relief knowing that our family stays together. If I was any happier, it'd be illegal."
Sheen responded to the news about Ashton taking his spot on 2.5 Men by saying some what bitterly in a statement.
"Kutcher is a sweetheart and a brilliant comedic performer ... Oh wait, so am I! Enjoy planet Chuck, Ashton. There is no air, laughter, loyalty, or love there."
BTW, Sheen's comment about Chuck referred to Chuck Lorre, and served as a waring to Ashton. Charlie's feud with Lorre is not over.
For the record, Charlie Sheen has apologized for the above comment by Tweeting to Ashton on February 21, 2012:
"Dear Ashton- My bad. I was disrespectful to a man doing his best. I got excited and threw you into a crossfire. The rest of my statement I stand behind. You, however, deserve better. Safety in your travels good sir. - The "late" Charlie Harper"
On January 11, 2012, at a press conference following the successful first season of the new "Two and a Half Men" series, Kutcher told reporters he's having "a lot of fun" doing the show, where he replaced former star Charlie Sheen, and said he'd like to come back next year -- "if we can work that out."
Kutcher said.
"The deal that we structured for the show was kind of a test. The show is outperforming the numbers from before I was here, and so I think that people are responding to it." He added that he's already lined up a couple of feature films to shoot during the summer -- a none-too-subtle way of reminding network bosses that he has other career options."
Because he signed only a one-year deal, CBS and Warner Bros. might have to throw open the bank-vault doors to get the star to return. And given "Men's" higher-than-expected ratings this season, it's likely they'll do so. Good luck to Ashton!!
Charlie Signs Deal To Star in "Anger Management"
On July 18, 2011, after numerous rumors, AdWeek reported that Charlie Sheen had signed a deal for a first-run syndication to star in Anger Management. Produced by Lionsgate and distributed by Debmar-Mercury (home of talker The Wendy Williams Show, game show Family Feud, and comedies Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and Meet the Browns), Anger Management is loosely based on the 2003 theatrical of the same name with Jack Nicholson and Adam Sandler. Sheen, who will have a significant ownership stake in the project, is expected to inherit the role of the out-of-his-mind therapist played by Jack Nicholson.
As a first-run sitcom, Anger Management was produced directly for syndication, with the hope that some broadcast or cable network might pick it up. On February 28, 2011, Entertainment Weekly reported that Fox cut a deal with the producers of Anger Management, and has committed to air ten episodes for broadcast beginning June 28, 2012. The show will be part of the network's new comedy lineup.
Sheen’s Anger Management will air in the 9 p.m. hour, with originals typically airing at 9:30 p.m. and last week’s episode running at 9 p.m. (except during premiere week, when originals will air in both slots). Ten episodes have been ordered, with an additional 90-episode pickup contingent on hitting a certain ratings benchmark. In recent weeks the show has added Selma Blair, Shawnee Smith, Daniela Bobadilla, Michael Arden, and Noureen DeWulf to the cast.
Charlie Sheen is like a cat with nine lives.
Charlie's Lawsuit Versus Chuck Lorre and Warner Bros
On March 10, 2011, the L.A. Times reported that Charlie Sheen had filed a $100 million lawsuit against Chuck Lorre and Warner Bros for wrongful termination of his contract.
The suit, alledged that Sheen was only fired from the show because he had criticized Lorre both on radio and television. Warner Bros., in a letter to Sheen's attorney Martin Singer, had said Sheen was fired because he had become a liability on the show and his erratic off-stage life had started to affect his ability to perform. (Here is a copy of the suit.) The suit also said it was pursuing claims for the benefit of the entire cast , crew and actors to be paid for the rest of the current TV season.
OnSeptember 26, 2011, Warner Bros issued a statement that the lawsuit had been settled amicably with Charlie Sheen. The studio issued the following statement:
“Warner Bros. Television, Chuck Lorre and Charlie Sheen have resolved their dispute to the parties’ mutual satisfaction. The pending lawsuit and arbitration will be dismissed as to all parties. The parties have agreed to maintain confidentiality over the terms of the settlement.”
Neither legal team would comment on the terms of settlement, but according to The Hollywood Reporter, unidentified sources told them that Sheen settled for $25 million. That dollar amount includes a reinstatement of the revenue stream from past episodes of Two and a Half Men (even those filmed before his media meltdown) that WB had denied Sheen after he filed the lawsuit.
Charlie Sheen is Winning
Charlie has came out of this smelling like a rose, and if you are adding up the talley since he was fired from 2.5 Men back on March, this adds up to $32 million in 2011 alone. Not bad for an actor who was on the ropes and many thought was was done. #winning!!
The New Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen has repackaged himself for 2012 At some point in the fall of 2011, Although Sheen's career is still fruitful, the death of his "loose cannon" character has definitely kept him further from headlines attention than he was last year. This shift in persona, and in public interest, begs the question: is Charlie Sheen still Winning?
Sheen has some good things on the horizon for 2012. Sheen's career on the small screen is not limited to Anger Management. Although his "settled down" image is widespread, connotations with the actor are not so far gone to render him incapable of making some money off of his old oddball character.
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The new advertisement for the FIAT 500 Abarth features Sheen embodying his old character, the free-living "bad boy" who exemplifies the desired personality of the car.
Courtesy of an article dated March 2, 2012 appearing in AdWeek, an article dated March 5, 2011 appearing in The Daily Mail, article dated May 13, 2011 appearing in ABC News and an article dated March 10, 2011 appearing in the L.A. Times and an article dated September 26, 2011 appearing in The Hollywood Reporter
A new CEO for the deeply troubled extended-range luxury electric vehicle maker.
Fisker Automotive, a VC-funded extended range electric vehicle maker, just moved co-Founder Henrik Fisker to Executive Chairman of the firm, and appointed Tom LaSorda as CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board.
Former Fisker Automotive co-founder and CEO Henrik Fisker (right) had a visit from U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden (left) at Fisker Automotive's Anaheim HQ on October 29, 2009 (Click Image To Enlarge)
LaSorda was formerly CEO, President and Vice Chairman of the Chrysler Group and also held executive positions at General Motors.
New Fisker Automotive CEO Tom LaSorda replaces Henrik Fisker (Click Image To Enlarge)
The firm has raised more than $800 million in private equity and produced only a few hundred vehicles, amidst recalls, DOE loan issues, and layoffs. Ray Lane, former Chairman of the Board, will take a "lead director role" according to a press release from the firm. Lane also shepherded Next Autoworks (the former V-Vehicle) into its current situation.
It’s bad news for Fisker on top of bad news that’s been filtering out for months. The Anaheim, Calif.-based startup has continually delayed the sale of its Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid sports car. That’s hurt lithium-ion battery maker andpartner A123 Systems, which laid off about 125 employees in November and lowered its annual revenue forecast, a move blamed largely on Fisker’s delays.
At the same time, Fisker has been renovating an old General Motors plant to build its next-generation “Project Nina” lower-cost plug-in hybrid sedans. That’s the reason it won a $529 million AVTM loan in 2010, and the project it has now halted as it seeks to renegotiate its loan.
So far, Fisker has drawn on about $193 million of the $529 million AVTM loan, which leaves $336 million yet to tap. The loan actually laid out that Fisker could spend about $169 million on Karma engineering and $359 million on its Project Nina plans.
Fisker spokesman Roger Ormisher told reporters that access to the loan has been blocked since May. Neither party would talk about the renegotiation underway. But DOE spokesman Damien LaVera told Bloomberg that the agency has “strict conditions in place to protect taxpayers. The department only allows the loan to be disbursed as the company meets certain milestones and demonstrates results.”
The DOE’s greentech loan program has come under intense scrutiny since Solyndradeclared bankruptcy in October. The thin-film solar module startup landed a $535 million DOE loan in 2009, but looks to be unlikely to be able to pay much of it back. Closer to the automotive industry, lithium-ion battery maker Ener1 filed for bankruptcy protection last month, after receiving a $198 million DOE grant.
Fisker has raised about $850 million in private capital from investors including Kleiner Perkins and A123. That includes $260 million in 2011, most recently with a $150 million round launched in November.
But it’s also struggled to deliver on its $102,000 luxury plug-in Karma, with only 225 vehicles sent to dealers and another 1,200 in the pipeline, CEO Henrik Fisker said in December. At the same time, its DOE loan was made conditional on the company delivering a cheaper mass-market model built in the United States, not by Finnish contract manufacturer Valmet, as today’s Karma models are.
Fisker’s Project Nina plant is also backed by $21 million in Delaware state loans. Fisker bought the site in late 2009, started hiring workers in July and had hired about 100 people as of late 2011. Monday’s layoffs included about 26 Delaware employees and about 40 at its headquarters.
Making cars is expensive, and Fisker must prove it can control those costs as it moves from contract manufacturing collectors' items to building mass-market cars on its own. In that sense, its rival is Tesla Motors and that company's Model S sedan -- but it’s also fighting against auto giants like Nissan, GM and all the rest. Having its first U.S. factory put on hold can’t be reassuring to would-be investors in its hoped-for IPO.
COMMENTARY: In a previous blog post dated February 8, 2012, I reported that the Department of Energy had refused to allow further drawdowns on a $529 million loan, because Fisker Automotive had failed to meet the DOE's production and sales milestones. Fisker announced layofs of 26 employees from its "Nina" plant in Delaware and speed up layoffs of 40-45 engineers at its Anaheim, California headquarters.
Unless Fisker Automotive can lower its production costs and obtain additional financing, it will probably be unable to deliver the remainder of its Karma backlog, have to layoff even more employees, and may endup declaring bankruptcy and shutdown production altogether.
In my opinion, moving co-Founder Henrik Fisker to Executive Chairman of the firm, and appointing Tom LaSorda as CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board is just a cosmetic change, and not really going to help Fisker Automotive make cars. In fact, having so few workers left, amounts to a slow death if you ask me.
As far as I know, no one is going to come in and bailout Fisker Automotive through an acquisition. That $1 billion+ in total debt is like a heavy anchor weighing down the company. Their only hope is a white knight who could come in an acquire the company, but who would be crazy to do that? As far as I am concerned, Fisker Automotive is a dead duck waiting to happen.
Courtesy of an article dated February 28, 2012 appearing in GreenTechMedia
HAWTHORNE, Calif. — On Thursday, February 9, 2012, Tesla Motors unveiled a prototype of its third vehicle, the Model X, here at the company’s design studios. Elon Musk, the chief executive of the electric vehicle start-up, said the crossover-like car would enter production in late 2013.
Elon Musk, chief executive of Tesla Motors, with the Model X prototype on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Mr. Musk said of the X in an interview after a preview for media.
“This is kind of the killer app for families/ It has more utility than a minivan, and better performance, much better performance, than an S.U.V.”
With a shape evocative of recent premium crossovers like the Acura ZDX and BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, the Model X fits within a popular niche. Its copious interior space, however, aligns it more closely with minivans and S.U.V.’s.
Acura ZDX AWD 4-Dr (Click Image To Enlarge)
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
Mr. Musk said.
“Because it is an electric car, and we don’t have to package a traditional internal combustion engine powertrain, we have available to us much more packaging opportunities.”
The new model was shown weeks after the announcement of two high-ranking engineers’ departures sent Tesla’s stock price falling sharply before it rebounded the following week. News of the Model X also came days after Fisker Automotive, another start-up, announced it would not meet sales benchmarks outlined by the Energy Department in the $529 million loan it extended to the company in 2009, and would lay off dozens of workers. Tesla received a loan of $465 million from the DOE that same year.
Problems with cash flow plagued Tesla as it tried to deliver its first product, the Roadster, but contracts to supply electric power trains to companies like Daimler and Toyota, as well as a lucrative I.P.O. in 2010, have given the company more solid financial footing.
The Model X evokes other premium crossovers, particularly the Acura ZDX and BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo.
A signature feature of the Model X, destined for the production model, Mr. Musk said, was the so-called falcon-wing doors for rear passengers. Like a traditional gullwing door, they open upward, but a hinge in the middle allows the leading edge of the door to remain tucked closely to the car.
Mr. Musk said.
“You can get in and out in the tightest garage or parking spot without hitting the wall or car next to you, or your head.”
The Model X has two trunks: one in the rear and another under up front, where the engine would otherwise be found. Mr. Musk said.
“Some S.U.V.’s and minivans claim to have room for seven passengers. But if you fill them with people, there is no room for their luggage. The Model X offers ample room for seven adults, and their luggage.”
Like the Model S sedan, which is expected to arrive in showrooms this summer after numerous delays, the Model X conceals its batteries in the platform of the car. Electric motors spin the front and rear wheels independently. Mr. Musk said.
“It has an innovative all-wheel-drive system that is incredibly precise and accurate in its application of power and traction, much more so than any other type of all-wheel-drive out there.”
The Model X shares about 60 percent of its content with the Model S and weighs about 10 percent more. As a result, Mr. Musk said, the X would squeeze roughly 10 percent less range from its battery packs. The X would be offered with a choice of two packs, rated at 60 and 85 kilowatt-hours. For comparison, Tesla estimates a Model S can travel 160-300 miles on a full charge, depending on battery-pack specification.
Mr. Musk said.
“Even though the X is heavier, it will still go zero to 60 miles an hour in about 4.4 seconds. And that’s not even the Performance model.”
Pricing should be close to Model S territory, he added. That model starts at $49,900 after a $7,500 federal tax credit, but the price can approach $100,000, depending on options.
He said.
“This will be our most important, and highest-volume car, when it comes out.”
A fourth model, aimed at a lower price point and wider audience, would likely be announced in 18 to 24 months he added.
COMMENTARY: I love the Model X's gullwing doors and sportiness of a sedan and convenience and roominess of an SUV. The two trunks will really come in handy for groceries and carrying luggage and other cargo. The pricing is a high, but Tesla Motors has a reputation for well-designed and engineered automobiles. They tend to attract affluent buyers, so the Model X hits the sweet spot now occupied by BMW, Mercedes and Acura. The Model X fills an attractive niche in the luxury sedan/SUV space, and its technology should make it a formidable competitor to non-electrics. The touchscreen on the Model X dashboard is like the one on the Model S electric sports sedan.
Courtesy of an ar5ticle dated February 9, 2012 appearing in the New York Times Blog
Fisker Automotive, developer of luxury electric cars, halted work at a former GM plant in Delaware and laid off 26 workers there because it ran out of government loan money.
Fisker had failed to meet production and sales milestones it had promised in the loan agreement with the Department of Energy, so loan cash was shut off last May. Fisker went on a cash diet, and solicited private investors, while it negotiated a new timetable with the DOE.
The cash shortage finally forced the layoff of 26 people at the Delaware factory, which was most of the crew working there to get the former GM plant back into service. Fisker also sped up the layoffs of 40 to 45 engineers at its Anaheim, Calif., headquarters.
Spokesman Roger Ormisher says those engineering jobs always were intended to vanish, once the company's $103,000 Karma sedan was well into production, but the shortage of DOE money accelerated those layoffs.
Click Images To Enlarge
Ormisher says Karma sales began late in November, and between 200 and 300 have been delivered in the U.S., out of an order backlog of roughly 2,000. Fisker has 45 dealers in the U.S. He says fisker also should have the OK to sell the Karma in Europe soon. It already has limited approval, and can sell a few vehicles there while awaiting the blanket approval.
Neither DOE nor Fisker would forecast how long it could take to agree on a new business plan with new milestones to resume the flow of DOE loan money.
The Delaware factory, bought from the bankruptcy assets of the old GM, is intended to manufacture three vehicles on what Fisker calls the Nina (pronounced nee-nah, not ni-nah) platform. The first, a compact sedan priced in the $50,000 range, is to go into production in 2013, though that might be delayed because of the halt. It is to be an extended-range electric.
If the batteries run low, an on-board gasoline engine would run a generator to keep juice flowing, somewhat like the Chevrolet Volt. Fisker emphasizes, though, that the gas engine never would drive the car directly. Volt's gas engine directly turn the wheels in certain, limited circumstances.
Financial Details:
DOE had agreed to loan Fisker $528 million. Fisker already has drawn $169 million to pay the California engineers and others involved in developing the Karma. It is built in Finland, which raised some eyebrows about U.S. taxpayers' money supporting, indirectly, an overseas manufacturing operation. Ormisher says more than 50% of Karma's parts are from the U.S. and it was designed and developed in California.
$359 million of the loan, is to purchase and refurbish the former GM factory in Delaware. Fisker has drawn only about $30 million of that before missing the DOE milestones and losing access to the federal loan money.
Official Statements From The DOE and Fisker:
DOE spokesman Damien LaVera:
"Our loan guarantees have strict conditions in place to protect taxpayers. The Department only allows the loan to be disbursed as the company meets certain milestones and demonstrates results. As has been widely reported, Fisker has experienced some delays in its sales and production schedule -- which is common for start-ups."
"As Fisker works through those issues and incorporates lessons learned from the production of the Karma, the Department is working with Fisker to review a revised business plan and determine the best path forward so the company can meet its benchmarks, produce cars and employ workers here in America."
Fisker Automotive:
"((The) strategy is to first and foremost establish strong Karma sales worldwide in 2012 and generate a strong business, and then to plan for the introduction of Nina at Delaware Assembly with the help of a loan from the DOE or other sources."
"With Karma we have made tremendous progress in a very short amount of time, developing and launching an all-new luxury plug-in hybrid Electric Vehicle with extended range (EVer) that is taking the auto industry in a new direction."
"With Project Nina, we have completed Phase One of the re-commissioning of a former General Motors plant in Wilmington, Delaware. We have temporarily delayed work at the plant based on ongoing discussions with the DOE regarding funding for the Project Nina program. As a result, we have laid-off 26 people."
"A flex model of expanding and contracting staffing for development of new cars is routine in the automotive industry. Project Nina is already well-advanced. Much of the engineering, design and development is near complete and we expect to ramp up operations again quickly."
"To date we have received $193 million of the $529 million DOE loan, mostly for the Karma program, and received our last reimbursement in May 2011. We are renegotiating some terms of the DOE agreement for the $336 million balance of the loan related to the Project Nina program."
"Fisker Automotive is in the middle of discussions with the DOE, however Fisker has been, and continues to pursue, alternative funding sources. We have successfully raised an additional $260 million of equity in late 2011, bringing the total amount of private equity financing to more than $850 million."
Fisker Automotive has raised $850 million in private financing from venture capital firms Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, New Enterprise Associates, A123 Systems Inc., Palo Alto Investors, Qatar Investment Authority and Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, and several unnamed private individual investors.
The Irvine, Calif.-based company started a limited production of Karma in March. The company plans to produce 15,000 Karmas annually, but it’s not clear at what point it hopes to reach this level of production. The company increased the price of the car–each Karma will cost $95,900, a price that’s 19% higher than originally proposed–and delayed its release, after originally promising to start selling in mid-2009.
A123 Systems, which is supplying batteries to the Karma, projected revenue of $210 million to $225 million for 2011, of which about 47% will come from Fisker, according to analyst Dilip Warrier, at investment bank Stifel Nicolaus & Co. The production of Fisker cars is due to pick up soon.
It's unfortunate that Fisker has had to halt production at its new Delaware plant and layed off engineers at its Anaheim plant as well. Hopefully it will be able to produce the remainder of its 1700-1800 backlog of Karma orders to get back on track and be able to meet the DOE's production and sales milestones
The Department of Energy (DOE) is getting real tough with startups that received DOE conditional loans and is stopping progress payments if production and sales milestones are not being met. This all stems from the recent bankruptcy filing by Solyndra, a solar panel manufacturer, that received $523 million in loans, and left the American taxpayers holding the bag, a real embarassment to DOE officials and the Obama administration.
Courtesy of an article dated February 7, 2012 appearing in USA Today
Palo Alto electric-car maker Tesla Motors (TSLA) slid 19 percent Friday after the company said both its chief engineer and director of chassis engineering for the Model S luxury car left the company just months before the rechargeable sedan goes on sale.
Click Image To Enlarge
Peter Rawlinson, Tesla's vice president and chief engineer, and Nick Sampson, who supervised vehicle and chassis engineering, departed this month, Ricardo Reyes, a company spokesman, said in an emailed statement Friday.
Reyes said.
"Having completed conceptual and design engineering work on Model S, Peter has decided to step away to tend to personal matters in the U.K."
Sampson had "fully transitioned" off the Model S at the time of his departure, Reyes said without elaborating.
Tesla, recipient of a $465 million U.S. loan to build its rechargeable models at the former NUMMI plant in Fremont, plans to begin producing and selling Model S cars by midyear. The company last month said initial versions, able to travel as far as 300 miles per charge, will sell for as much as $92,400 before a $7,500 tax credit.
Jim Hall, principal of 2953 Analytics, an automotive-consulting firm said.
"It may be for personal reasons, but it doesn't look good. And for Tesla, looks are very important at this point."
Tesla tumbled to $22.79 at the close in New York, the biggest slide since the shares began trading on June 29, 2010. The stock rebounded to $24.45 in after-hours trading.
Click Image To Enlarge
Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO and biggest shareholder, said in an emailed statement.
"The uncertainty around Model S is now much diminished, as anyone who has seen the beta vehicles and toured the factory will appreciate. There is no question in my mind that we will start delivering vehicles in July, if not sooner."
Jerome Guillen, formerly an engineer with Daimler, will assume Rawlinson's duties, and Tesla hired a former Volkswagen executive, Eric Bach, Musk said.
Musk said.
"Bach was head of small-vehicle programs at VW and has a lot of high-volume expertise, to help in the final stretch of bringing Model S into production. Eric reports to Jerome."
Rawlinson, a former chief engineer at U.K.-based sports-car maker Lotus and head of vehicle engineering at consulting firm Corus Automotive, joined Tesla in 2009.
Sampson, who joined Tesla in 2010, previously worked for Lotus and Jaguar.
Tesla investors included Daimler, Toyota and Panasonic.
COMMENTARY: In a blog article dated December 27, 2011, I reported on Tesla Motors prices for their new Model S sports sedan, so these two resignations are definitely quite surprising. I don't want to add to the mystery or speculate too much as to why two top executives working for Tesla Motors would leave almost at the same time for "personal reasons." When I hear "personal reasons," people are generally hiding something they don't want you to know. They were either fired or quit over some kind of disagreement. Perhaps they knew or discovered something that was so incredible that they chose to leave Tesla before the public finds out. It's hard to believe that they are leaving literally within a few months when the first Tesla Miodel S sports sedans are scheduled to roll off the assembly line. It's a shame that after all their work, they would not remain until after the Model S shipments begin. Whatever their "personal reasons" for leaving, Elon Musk should've taken measure to minimize the negative impact these key departures would have on Tesla Motor's stock. I'm sure the stockholders are not very happy about it, and there will be even more speculation on Monday morning.
Courtesy of an article dated January 13, 2012 appearing in MercuryNews.com
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