Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) Model S is outperforming veterans like Cadillac, Chrysler, Porsche, and Mitsubishi in California. Despite proving itself on many fronts like performance, safety, comfort, saving fossil fuel and others, Tesla Model S is still considered an underdog by many critics.
After looking at the high price tag of $63,570 (after a federal rebate), it can be said to an extent that Tesla is not for the majority of people, but the new sales numbers in California are indicating the other way round, aptly answering the critics.
Tesla gaining glory
Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) acquired 0.6 percent of the total light duty vehicle market in California in the first half, which was greater than Buick, Fiat, Land Rover, Lincoln, or Mitsubishi, says the data from Polk via the latest report from the California New Car Dealers Association.
Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) is already ahead in sales of big names in the luxury class on a national basis, also, the numbers from California indicate that Tesla has outperformed cheaper cars like Ford Motor Company(NYSE:F)’s Taurus, Dodge Challenger, and Chevy Tahoe.
California automobile market
In terms of automobile sales, California is not an average state. According to Treehugger, the top selling car in the state this year is the hybrid Toyota Motor Corporation (ADR)(NYSE:TM) Prius. Hybrid sales totaled 7 percent of all new car sales in California. Pure electric vehicles outperformed plug-in hybrids, including strong demand for the Tesla Model S. Also, according to Polk’s data, around half of the total number of Tesla’s Model S sales in the second quarter were in California.
The road ahead
Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) has worked hard and has overcome massive challenges, but the road ahead will also not be easy as it plans to build a more affordable sedan over the next few years. If Tesla successfully makes another, more affordable sedan, that will help the company gain mainstream acceptance for electric vehicles.
