PALO ALTO, California and TILBURG, Netherlands, December 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

New facility will serve as final Model S assembly point, vehicle distribution hub and regional service center

As a key step towards beginning worldwide distribution of Model S, Tesla Motors announced today that it will begin operations this month at its new European Distribution Center in Tilburg, Netherlands. This new facility will serve as Tesla's European service and parts headquarters, as well as the final assembly and distribution point for Model S vehicles sold in Europe.  General production of European left-hand drive Model S is planned to begin in March 2013.

Tesla's new 18,900 square meter facility is centrally located to enable efficient, timely and cost effective operations throughout Europe.  Starting this month, the new distribution center will begin stocking parts for both the Tesla Roadster and Model S.  In addition to parts warehousing, Tesla plans to utilize this facility for vehicle importing operations, final vehicle assembly and distribution, service headquarters, technical training operations, parts remanufacturing, collision repair and more. The new Tesla European Distribution Center will lead to the creation of approximately 50 jobs in the next few years.

Tesla's decision to locate the new European Distribution Center in Tilburg is the result of almost two years of on-going cooperation between Tesla, BOM Foreign Investments, NFIA (Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency), CBRE Group, Inc. and the City of Tilburg.

About Model S

Model S is the world's first premium sedan built from the ground up as an electric vehicle and has been engineered to elevate the public's expectations of what a premium sedan can be. At the heart of Model S is the proven Tesla powertrain, delivering both unprecedented range and a thrilling drive experience. With a rigid body structure, nearly 50/50 weight distribution and a remarkably low center of gravity, Model S offers the responsiveness and agility expected from the world's best sports cars while providing the ride quality of a luxury performance sedan. Model S has received many of the industry's most prestigious awards and accolades during its first year on the market.

Model S offers multiple battery options that set the benchmark for electric driving range. All batteries use automotive-grade lithium-ion cells arranged for optimal energy density, thermal management, and safety.

Without an internal combustion engine or transmission tunnel, the interior of Model S has more cargo space than any other sedan in its class and includes a second trunk under the hood. The Model S interior features a 17 inch in-dash touchscreen with Internet capabilities, allowing for streaming radio, web browsing and navigation.

About Tesla

Tesla's goal is to accelerate the world's transition to electric mobility with a full range of increasingly affordable electric cars. California-based Tesla designs and manufactures EVs, as well as EV powertrain components for partners such as Toyota and Daimler. Tesla has delivered more than 2,400 Roadsters to customers worldwide. Model S, the world's first premium sedan to be engineered from the ground up as

an electric vehicle, began deliveries to U.S. customers in June of this year. Tesla has already received more than 13,000 reservations worldwide for Model S.

Individuals interested in employment at the Tesla European Distribution Center in Tilburg should send resumes and inquiries to tilburgrecruitment@teslamotors.com.

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Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the plans for the new Tesla European Distribution Center, are "forward-looking statements" that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations.  Various important factors could cause actual results to differ materially, including the risks identified in our SEC filings. Tesla disclaims any obligation to update this information.

Tesla Motors Media Contacts:

Kathrin Schira, kschira@teslamotors.com, +49-151-161-59991

Roberto Toro, rtoro@teslamotors.com, +39-342-5000-743

SOURCE Tesla Motors Inc