Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) co-founder Steve Wozniak, referred to as Woz, has taken the leap. He bought one of Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA)’s Model S sedans. He said earlier this year that he wanted one for his birthday, and he tweeted that he picked up his vehicle this week.
Comparing Tesla’s Model S to the Toyota Prius
Green Car Reports was one of the first to report on the tweet. Wozniak said he was constantly sending his wife articles about Tesla’s Model S for the last few years. Woz’s previous vehicle was a 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid. His Prius was one of those affected by the unintended acceleration problems, although that issue might have been caused by the vehicle’s adaptive cruise control settings rather than a problem with the vehicle’s mechanics.
Tesla steals from Apple
Woz is just one of a few former Apple-ites attracted by the shiny new thing offered by Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA). Earlier this year George Blankenship, who designed the signature appearance of Apple Stores, left the company to become vice president of sales and ownership experience. His design experience went into creating the signature look for Tesla Stores, which in many areas are more showrooms than stores since challenges from franchise laws continue to keep the automaker from selling its own vehicles in stores rather than on its website.
Tesla also stole Mac hardware engineer Doug Field, who became the automaker’s new vice president of vehicle programs.
Tesla’s popularity in California
The Woz is a part of a larger trend sweeping the state of California, Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA)’s home state. The Model S remains popular in the state and is even beating some larger automakers there. In fact, Edmunds Senior Analyst Jessica Caldwell found that in seven of the top 25 wealthiest zip codes in the U.S., Tesla’s Model S is the most popular car choice for new buyers.
