Tesla's electric sports car aiming at Europe market

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) — Earth-friendly thrill-seekers in Europe can get into the driver's seat of their own Tesla Roadster, provided they have a trunkful of cash to buy an electric sports car that zips from zero to 100 kph (60 mph) in less than four seconds.

California's "green" governor Arnold Schwarzenegger bought one. So did actors George Clooney and Kelsey Grammer.

Tesla Motors opened its first store over the weekend on the Los Angeles coast and has begun taking orders in Europe via the Internet. It plans to show the Roadster off at the Cannes Film Festival this month and at the Monaco Grand Prix and Le Mans auto races.

Thanks to a wimpy dollar and stumbling US economy, the Northern California car maker is focusing on Europe a year ahead of schedule and...