Tesla Motors Opens Showroom On San Jose's Santana Row
SAN JOSE (KCBS) -- Tesla Motors is opening up its newest showroom this weekend. The sleek, all-electric Roadsters based out of Palo Alto will find their way to a display on San Jose's Santana Row.
But you might be thinking to yourself, a car lot in a mall? "Why not?" said Troy Jones regional sales manager for Tesla.
"Since ours was the first fully electric car that hit the road, we wanted to change the whole car experience. Not only is driving our car different, but we also wanted to change the buying experience," said Jones.
KCBS' Mark Seelig Reports:
You'll now be able to find the Tesla store at the north end of the mall, where one of their Roadsters, a car that goes from zero to 60 mph in under four seconds, will be on display.
If the space feels like an Apple Store, there's a very good reason for that. The atmosphere of clean, sharp lines is a trademark of Apple designer George Blankenship who is helping them market their products with monitors set up around the room.
"They're all designed to be really interactive with anyone who walks through the street, is allows you to see some of our customers from around the world, and you to understand our technology and even allow you to build your own Tesla Roadster," added Jones.
The car company also has space set aside in the parking lot where more Roadsters are on display, with technicians answering questions and offering customer service.
Some shoppers were shocked yet impressed commenting on the 21st century appeal and the excitement of Tesla's new promo and sales location.
And if you're considering taking the plunge and getting behind the wheel of a Roadster, it'll set you back about $100,000 but as Jones puts it "this is a special car that is faster than a Porsche and greener than a Prius". Not to mention they're built in our own backyard if you're into buying local.
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