TILBURG, Netherlands, August 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Tilburg Assembly Plant scene of first Model S deliveries to Dutch, Belgian, French and German customers

Having begun the first European deliveries of Model S, Tesla Motors today opened its Tilburg Assembly Plant in the presence of the Vice Governor Economic and International Affairs of the Province of Brabant and Alderman Economic Affairs of the Municipality of Tilburg. The Tilburg facility will serve as the final assembly and distribution point for Model S vehicles sold in Europe as well as Tesla's European service and parts headquarters. Some of the very first Dutch, Belgian, French and German Model S customers received their cars today at the brand new facility.

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130822/636924 )

With a size of 18,900 square meters, this new state-of-the-art facility is well prepared to receive the brand new Model S which is shipped over from the US. Having crossed the ocean and reached Europe, Model S arrives at the Tilburg plant for final assembly before being delivered across the continent.

Being centrally located in Tilburg enables efficient, timely and cost effective operations throughout Europe. Parts can be distributed to anywhere across the continent within 12 hours. Tilburg is an ideal location considering its proximity to the port of Rotterdam and the high quality and availability of transportation infrastructure. An excellent rail and motorway network connects Tilburg to all major markets.

Deliveries of Model S to European customers started in Norway earlier this month, and today, it was time for the first Dutch, Belgian, French and German customers to receive their cars at the brand new Tilburg facility.

Bryan Batista, Sales Director Europe, said: "It's very exciting to see our cars arriving in Europe and being welcomed by their proud owners here in Tilburg. This location is pivotal to Tesla's European operations, which are expanding rapidly over the coming months with openings of around 15 new stores and service centres."

About Tesla

Tesla Motors' (NASDAQ: TSLA) 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 over 15,000 electric vehicles to customers in 31 countries. Deliveries of Model S in Europe started this summer.

About Model S

Model S is the world's first premium sedan built from the ground up as an electric vehicle, meticulously designed and engineered to elevate the public's expectations of what a car 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 world's best sports cars while providing the ride quality of a premium sedan.

Setting the bar for electric driving range, Model S offers 60 kWh and 85 kWh battery options, delivering unprecedented range of up to 500 km (on the NEDC drive cycle) with the 85 kWh variant. Both batteries are contained within the same enclosure, integrating with the vehicle in the same way, providing structural, aerodynamic, and handling advantages. The batteries use automotive-grade lithium-ion cells arranged for optimum 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 interior features a 17" in-dash touchscreen with Internet capabilities.

http://www.teslamotors.com

SOURCE Tesla Motors Inc