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It's taken eight years for Tesla to reach our shores following the company's formation in 2003. Along the way, as might be expected for a new manufacturer employing such unusual technology, there have been one or two problems.
Some of the issues involve Tesla's company structure, given a shake-up in 2008 with the firing of several executives and a more general reduction of the company's workforce.
Considering the global turmoil among automotive businesses, however, this wasn't anything too dramatic. Unlike certain former world automotive leaders, Tesla hasn't fallen under government control.
Technical issues were a greater worry. Tesla's Roadster was originally intended to be equipped with a two-speed gearbox, but big torque from the electric motor proved a cog-breaker. Some early Teslas were actually supplied to customers with the `box locked in top gear, which killed acceleration and hurt the brand. Subsequent recalls didn't help.
But the last 18 months have been Tesla's best. A sturdy one-speed gearbox delivers both rapid acceleration and a respectable top end. More importantly for the brand's survival, Tesla produced its 1000th car twelve months ago and is now aggressively pursuing international sales.
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