Oct 30, 2006

Gov. Schwarzenegger Spotlights Tesla Roadster In L.A. Auto Show Speech


Tesla Motors CEO Martin Eberhard discusses
the Tesla Roadster With Gov. Schwarzenegger

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2006) - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today highlighted the role new alternative fuel vehicles play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the state and throughout the world. During a speech at the 100th annual L.A. Auto Show, the governor spotlighted five vehicles, including the all-electric Tesla Roadster that rides on Yokohama ADVAN Neova tires.

"Every industry has to participate in the fight against global warming," said Gov. Schwarzenegger. "And these clean, efficient alternative fuel vehicles are leading this environmental revolution."

Referring to the Tesla Roadster, which goes 250 miles on a single charge, Gov. Schwarzenegger said, "I test drove this vehicle, and it is hot."

Tesla Motors CEO Martin Eberhard said, "Playing a role in climate leadership is vital to Tesla Motors. That's why we're pleased to be working with Yokohama Tire Corp., using their highly efficient and high performance ADVAN Neova tires. They're the only tires on the U.S. market that blend great handling with low rolling resistance technology. "

The Tesla Roadster is the first car built by San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla Motors. The Tesla Roadster, powered by lithium-ion batteries, is capable of going from 0-60 mph in about four seconds, and has a top speed of more than 130 mph. Deliveries are expected to begin during summer 2007.

According to Yokohama Tire Corporation Executive Vice President Jim MacMaster, "The all-electric Roadster is a perfect complement to our corporate mandate to create a sustainable business that ultimately has zero adverse affect on the environment. For Yokohama, this commitment is being reinforced by our innovative work with environmental leaders like Tesla Motors."

About Yokohama

Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global producer and distributor of premium tires for more than 89 years. Servicing a network of more than 4,500 points of sale in the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation offers a complete line of tires including high-performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, as well as off-the-road mining and construction applications. For more information on Yokohama's extensive product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com.

Yokohama is a strong supporter of the tire care and safety guidelines established by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA). Details can be found at the "Taking Care of Your Tires" section at www.yokohamatire.com.

About Tesla Motors

Tesla Motors, a privately held company, was founded in July 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning to create efficient electric cars for people who love to drive. Elon Musk, co-founder of PayPal and currently CEO and Chief Technology Officer of SpaceX, is chairman of Tesla Motors. Musk has led or co-led three rounds of investment resulting in $60 million in funding. He also is instrumental in corporate and product development at Tesla Motors.

Tesla Motors currently employs more than 120 people, including teams in California, the United Kingdom and Taiwan. The company has recruited employees whose background and experience mirror the vehicle itself, drawing from diverse expertise in the electronics, automotive and software industries.

Tesla Motors creates vehicles that conform to all U.S. safety, environmental and durability standards. The cars include modern safety equipment such as airbags, front crumple zones, side impact protection, and 2½ mph bumpers. Tesla Motors will sell the Tesla Roadster exclusively in the contiguous Unites States after it passes Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).