Tesla Motors Part III – Model S & Model X- Design/Features/Attributes

Written by me for BRANDInsider.tv

With the Tesla Model S on the market and the Model X to follow, BRANDInsider  takes you on a personal tour of key design elements, features and vehicle attributes that differentiate the Tesla Brand from its competitors. Tesla’s VP of Sales & Ownership Experience, George Blankenship gives BI an up close and personal overview of both models as well as insight and strategy behind the brand’s direction.

Model X Design – According to Tesla’s website, the Model X was “designed from the ground up to blend the best of an SUV with the benefits of a minivan, as only an electric car can.” The model X says Tesla, “was built around the driver—and six of her friends. It artfully provides unfettered performance and brilliant functionality.” Model X includes an optional Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The second motor enables more to the all-weather, all-road capabilities by increasing torque 50%. When outfitted with AWD, Model X Performance accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds, outperforming the fastest SUVs and many sports cars.

Model S Visual Appeal – George Blankenship says, Tesla wanted to create vehicles that people would be passionate about driving and passionate about their design and styling. The door handles of the Model S are an example of this passion for design.  When they are not in use, the handles retract into the body, streamlining airflow and reducing drag. When a driver approaches the vehicle with the key, the handles slide out and unlatch with a simple touch. Another Model S design feature  is the panoramic sunroof, which is constructed from lightweight safety glass and opens wider than any other sedan’s panoramic roof, with a simple swipe of the touch screen.

Instant Electric Torque – Tesla’s Model S motor has only one moving part, the rotor. As a result acceleration is instantaneous, like flipping a switch. In 5.6 seconds, Model S will reach 60 miles per hour, without hesitation and without a drop of gasoline.

Safety – Tesla knows that the safety of their vehicles critical, especially in the Model X which will be used by families.  As Blankenship told BI, “Tesla has really emphasized making their vehicles as safe as possible” and believes Tesla will earn a five star crash safety rating for the Model X, scheduled for release in 2014.

We want to hear from you! What do you like about Tesla’s design in the Model S and X?

Tesla Motors Spotlight: Brand Strategy & Marketing

Hello BRANDInsiders! Our latest featured webisode on Tesla Motors is part of a three-part profile. Part I provided a great overview of Tesla as a brand and their key products and features. Part II takes a closer look at their marketing approach, strategy and philosophy as a company and brand.

We interviewed George Blankenship, VP of Sales and Ownership Experience for Tesla at their Newport Beach California retail store at Fashion Island. Tesla unveiled new, never before seen by the public, vehicle paint colors along with the OC first look at the next Tesla vehicle, the Model S. Among many revealing comments, George told Brand Insider.tv, that “Tesla hopes to change and redefine the 100-year-old car buying experience”. Tesla’s unique approach to marketing will be web centered with heavy social media support combined with a friendly informative, “in-store” experience for the customer”, that will leave feeling really good about Tesla as a brand and as a product, they will want to purchase.

Be sure to come back to watch part III of the series that features in-depth the Model X and Model S!

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