Tag Archives: Tesla Motors

Bailed-Out Chrysler Thriving and Ready for IPO by Year End

By David Kiley

Chrysler 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk.

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AP

Chrysler Group, pumped up by the strong demand for its Jeep vehicles and Ram pickup truck, reported healthy second quarter earnings. Its CEO said the solid performance had the company poised for an initial public offering by the end of this year.

Chrysler reported net income of $507 million for the second quarter, up 16 percent from the same period a year earlier. The company said modifications it needs to make to the Jeep Cherokee and Liberty models to prevent fires will take a bite out of earnings for 2013.

CEO Sergio Marchionne, who also serves as CEO of Italian automaker Fiat, which has a controlling stake in Chrysler, said the company is preparing paperwork for its long-awaited IPO. “November or December would be the ideal time” for the Chrysler listing, said Marchionne.

Will there be demand for Chrysler stock? Auto stocks have underperformed the market the last two years except for Tesla Motors. And General Motors, which along with Chrysler was the beneficiary of taxpayer-assisted bankruptcy in 2009, has not enjoyed great demand for its shares until recently.

For more on Chrysler’s fortunes, get the rest of the story at AOL Autos.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

5 Alternative Energy Sources That Are Cheaper Than Solar

By Rich Smith

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Getty Images

Is solar power “the fuel of the future”? Elon Musk thinks so.

The co-inventor of PayPal, now turned alternative energy rock star, has built two companies — solar power utility SolarCity (SCTY) and electric car company Tesla (TSLA) — around the idea that solar-generated electricity is the way to power our cars and save our environment. He’s also working on a third company — SpaceX — which aims to bring mankind a bit closer to that ultimate clean-energy source, the sun.

But is solar power truly the solution to our energy needs? Not necessarily.

“Free” Power Can Be Awfully Expensive

Last month, alternative energy analyst Gordon Johnson at Axiom Capital crunched the latest numbers out of the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and published a report on his findings.
The upshot: When it comes to “alternative” ways to generate electricity, solar energy is just about the most expensive form of energy you can get.

Cost of energy

Calculating the cost of generating a kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity by tallying the cost of building a facility, operating it, and paying for the fuel it consumes — then amortizing all this across all the electricity it’s expected to produce in its lifetime — Johnson points out that solar photovoltaic power costs about $0.22 per kWh. Solar thermal power, where sunbeams are reflected and concentrated on a heat-retaining medium such as salt or graphite to store heat for later use in generating electricity, costs even more — about $0.32 per kWh.

What forms of energy are cheaper than these? Pretty much any that you might think of.

Motley Fool contributor Rich Smith does not own shares of any solar or electric car company named above. (Go figure.) But The Motley Fool recommends and owns shares of Tesla Motors.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

On Tesla, Goldman, And The Failure of Imagination

By Mark Rogowsky, Contributor

A Goldman Sachs analyst named Patrick Archambault did what no one else has been able to in 2013: He put a stop to the rally in shares of Tesla Motors, sending them down 14% with a bearish forecast for the company. What’s notable about Archambault’s prediction is not that Goldman can still move markets, but rather that it can do so even when the underlying work is so unlikely to reflect reality. In the case of Tesla, predictions about the future are obviously subject to great uncertainty. It’s strange then that the Goldman report creates three scenarios within a remarkably narrow band that very likely fails to reflect the range of possibilities. Archambault then doubles down on his false precision to create a target price for the stock of $84. …read more

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Forbes Latest

Tesla Tumbles On Goldman Skepticism

By Steve Schaefer, Forbes Staff

Investors in Tesla Motors have not had much to complain about this year, with the electric carmaker reporting surprise profits and its stock surging more than 250%. But with shares near the $120 level a Goldman Sachs analyst is warning the company may be priced for perfection. …read more

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Forbes Latest

Even Tesla Is Outselling the Chevy Volt

By John Rosevear, The Motley Fool

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The Chevy Volt has been on the market for more than two years now, but sales still have yet to live up to expectations. Photo credit: General Motors Co.

It’s true: Punchy start-up Tesla Motors is already outselling the much-hyped Chevy Volt.

Earlier this month, Tesla said it had exceeded its own first-quarter sales target, delivering “at least 4,750” examples of its all-electric Model S luxury sedan to customers.

Contrast that with General Motors , which sold 4,421 of its plug-in hybrid Volts in North America during the first quarter, according to a Bloomberg report. Nissan‘s electric Leaf took third place in the plug-in rankings with 3,695 sales.

That’s a great story for Tesla, which is succeeding with its sleek and powerful (and expensive) electric coupe against considerable odds. But what does it say about GM? Is it time for the Volt to be grounded?

A green-car darling that hasn’t found a big market
The Volt was supposed to be the new face of post-bailout GM. One of the few major product-development programs that GM kept funding through its own financial crisis in 2008 and 2009, the Volt was the high-tech green darling that, in some minds, was supposed to justify the Obama administration’s decision to bail out Detroit’s largest automaker.

The Volt’s sluggish sales have led to a lot of politically charged hot air since. But beyond the squabbling, the Volt — which is essentially an electric car with an onboard gas-powered generator to keep it charged — is a pretty nice product that works as advertised. Every Volt owner I’ve ever talked to says he or she loves the car, without hesitation. It’s well built and lives up to GM‘s claims.

But it has never sold in the numbers that GM hoped for when it launched the innovative plug-in hybrid late in 2010. GM hoped to sell 10,000 Volts in 2011, its first full year on sale — but managed to move only 7,671.

At the time, GM officials said they weren’t disappointed, that they were still building “awareness” of the Volt’s virtues — and announced a plan to make 45,000 Volts for the U.S. in 2012.

That didn’t happen, either. Not even close. In fact, it only took until March for GM to halt the Volt’s production line, saying that it was “matching supply to demand.” Last year’s U.S. Volt sales totaled 23,461 — a great increase over 2011, but not anywhere near enough to live up to CEO Dan Akerson’s hopes for the model.

Volt sales so far are running a bit ahead of last year’s pace in the U.S., up 8.4%. That’s a decent increase, a little ahead of the overall U.S. market‘s 6.4% gain through March, but it’s not setting the world on fire.

Is it time for GM to pull the Volt’s plug?

GM is about to double down on the Volt idea
GM certainly doesn’t seem to think so.

Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Tesla: Better Warranty? Check! Upgradeable Cars? Sure! 500-Mile Batteries? Maybe Soon!

By Mark Rogowsky, Contributor

Leave it to Tesla Motors to turn what could have been a rather dull announcement about improving its service program into something of a mini-dazzler Friday. CEO Elon Musk not only promised to honor the company’s 8-year battery warranty under pretty much all conditions — “lighting the pack on fire with a blowtorch is not covered” — but Tesla also rolled out a plan that allowed owners to upgrade to a top-of-the-line Model S anytime their car goes in for service. Musk also hinted that today’s 265-mile range on the most-expensive model wasn’t any kind of endgame; but rather that a 500-mile battery could be available within 4 years. To top it off, Tesla finished the first quarter having outsold the much less expensive Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf, to become the most popular plug-in vehicle in the U.S.

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Forbes Latest

Tesla announces 'World's Best Service and Warranty Program,' hints at future 500-mile battery

By Domenick Yoney

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Tesla Motors has just revealed the latest edition of it 5-part announcement trilogy. Whereas the previous first installment had to do with the company’s new leasing program, this episode is all about service and warranty, comes gift-wrapped in the glittery descriptor of “World’s Best,” and is accompanied by hints of a future battery upgrade.

The new plan improves on the California automaker’s service program by adding a valet service that brings you a top-spec Model S Performance – or a Tesla Roadster, if you prefer – to temporarily replace your personal vehicle while it’s being serviced. CEO Elon Musk states that this fleet of Model S service vehicles, which will initially number about 100, will ideally be less than three months old and also be available for immediate sale. Like your loaner more than your own car? You can keep it, paying “a price that is lower by 1% per month of age and $1 per mile” for your new ride and taking, likely, a similar hit on your trade-in.

Musk hinted that a 500-mile battery would not be an unreasonable thing to expect in four or five years.

Not only should the purchase scheme keep the loaner fleet nice and fresh, it may also create a cache of certified pre-owned inventory for buyers who are looking for a deal on a Tesla that starts at $69,900 from the factory, or who would rather not wait a couple months for a new, made-to-order car.

As well as no-travel hassle, Tesla has also made its $600 annual service optional without effecting the standard 5-year/50,000-mile warranty. The company has also made the battery portion of the warranty unconditional, meaning that, if you manage to somehow turn it into a useless brick (something that should be quite difficult to accomplish with the Model S), you will get a replacement unit of equal capacity free of charge.

Speaking of battery capacity, during the media call, Mr. Musk also offered some hope for those anxious for packs that hold more energy than the current EPA-estimated 265-mile/85 kilowatt-hour packs now available. In response to a question about upcoming technology improvements, he hinted that a 500-mile battery would not be an unreasonable thing to expect in four or five years. He then added that, eventually, Tesla would likely offer owners the opportunity to upgrade their vehicles with longer-range capabilities.

It all sounds pretty good to us, and we can’t help but think if this upstart company keeps it up, surpassing sales of the Chevy Volt might seem a minor accomplishment. For more details on this newest warranty arrangement, you can get more details in a blog post on the Tesla website.

Tesla announces ‘World’s Best Service and Warranty Program,’ hints at future 500-mile battery originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog

2 Winners and 2 Losers From Cheap Pump Prices

By Justin Loiseau, The Motley Fool

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Park the Prius: Pump prices are heading lower for the second straight summer. But even as individual drivers get more for less, shifting preferences could sideline some auto investors. I’ll look at the price predictions, and I’ll outline two winners and two losers from this latest trend.

Pump it up
The Energy Information Administration released its 2013 Summer Fuels Outlook report (link opens a PDF) this week, and things are looking up for gas prices to head down. According to the report, summer retail gasoline prices will drop to a national average of $3.63 per gallon, $0.03 below 2012’s summer and $0.08 below 2011’s price tag.

Two winners
Heavyweights win on this latest news. In the game of supply and demand, cheaper gas prices make gas guzzlers more affordable for Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Ford and General Motors are revving up their latest line of pickups, and new sales could pour in with less wear on drivers’ wallets. General Motors announced last week that its new Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra will sport the most fuel-efficient V-8 engines in their market. The Silverado’s 5.3-liter engine will get a whopping 23 mpg, with more pulling power than any of its competitors.

In an ironic twist of fate, Ford’s F-150 could make even more gains than GM. The F-series has been America’s best-selling truck for more than 30 years, and GM‘s efficiency ace-in-the-hole could come up short of toppling the Blue Oval‘s omnipotence. Ford sold 14,000 more trucks than GM in March, and cheap gas could keep this upward trend constant through summer months.

Who killed the electric car?
Innovation drives our economy, but the greatest solutions only emerge from the greatest problems. With high oil supplies and cheap prices, who needs fuel-efficient cars? Tesla Motors is a pure-play electric automaker that could feel a major summer squeeze. Founder and CEO Elon Musk is trying fancy new financing tricks to make his luxury vehicles more affordable, but the price might just not be right for the gas-vs.-electric argument.

Likewise, Toyota Motor‘s fuel-efficient fleet could suffer significantly. The automaker’s Prius has long demanded a price premium for its light consumption and currently controls 68% of the non-plug-in hybrid market. Overall hybrid sales grew 14% in Q1 2013, but Ford’s F-Series and GM‘s Chevy Silverado remain the No. 1 and No. 2 best-selling vehicles in America. Cheap gas prices certainly won’t help lightweights like the Prius topple those top picks.

When macro affects micro
Summer pump prices could put fuel efficiency on the back burner, significantly affecting upcoming sales for your investment. But cheap gas for a few months is no substitute for visionary engineering and innovation. The companies that can consistently create the best vehicle at the best value will win out in the long term, and investors should make their portfolio picks accordingly.

Worried about Ford?
If you’re concerned that Ford’s turnaround has

From: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/14/2-winners-and-2-losers-from-cheap-pump-prices/

Tesla gains legal ground in New York dealer fight

By Danny King

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Tesla Motors gained a legal victory in its continuing efforts to expand sales across the US now that New York Supreme Court Justice Raymond J. Elliott III decided that local dealers will not be allowed to cite the Franchised Dealer Act as a reason to sue competitors, Automotive News reports.

Tesla has been embroiled in a legal tussle in the Empire State (and others) since last October, when New York dealers sued Tesla in an effort to get the California-based company to shutter the state’s company-owned stores. Tesla operates three stores and two service centers in New York.

Tesla has long argued that it should be allowed to operate its own stores because of the different nature of cars like its Model S and the fact that servicing those vehicles is simply different than working on conventional vehicles. Traditional laws dictate that car sellers be franchises that are independent from automakers.

Tesla chief Elon Musk was in Texas this week lobbying for a law that would allow electric vehicle companies to sell their cars directly to the public. He hinted Tesla could build a factory in Texas, the state with the second-highest number of publicly accessible charging stations to (after California), at some point in the future.

Tesla gains legal ground in New York dealer fight originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Which States Are the Most Alternative Fuel-Friendly?

By Tyler Crowe, The Motley Fool

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According to the Energy Information Administration, an alternative-fuel vehicle is any vehicle designed to run primarily on alternative fuels. So a vehicle that’s built to run on 85% ethanol but can also use gasoline is considered an alternative-fuel vehicle, but an electric-gasoline hybrid is not, because the primary fuel source is gasoline. Based on this definition, let’s take a look at the most alternative fuel-friendly states in the nation.

First, a few important notes. While the idea of owning an alternative-fuel vehicle can sound great, the simple truth is that we don’t have the infrastructure to support universal adoption. The gain from paying $1.50 less per gallon by using natural gas instead of diesel can be easily wiped out if you have to go several miles out of the way to get it. The use of certain types of alternative fuels has developed more quickly than in others, and certain fuels have found their niche in different parts of the United States.

Source: Department of Energy.

It’s easier to have an electric vehicle on the coasts …

Source: Department of Energy.

… and an 85% ethanol blend engine in the Midwest …

 

Source: Department of Energy.

… or, in some cases, none of the above.

The rankings are based on percentage of alternative fueled cars versus total cars, the percentage of alternative fueling stations versus total fueling stations, and growth of alternative-fueled cars on the road between 2010 and 2011.

5. California: Alternative vehicles, 0.62%; fueling stations, 18.36%; alternative-vehicle growth, 22.17%.

California has by far the most alternative-fueled vehicles by raw numbers, but the sheer size of the population means it will have to settle for fifth place. It should come as no surprise that California is near the top of the list. Its gas prices are some of the highest in the country, and some of the fastest-developing ideas in alternative fuel transportation are happening there. Aside from building one of the more successful electric cars to date, Tesla Motors and Solar City are collaborating on solar supercharger stations for Tesla vehicles. The facilities are expected to add a 150-mile charge to a car in 30 minutes, and the charge will be free. The first stations are being rolled out in — you guessed it — California, and the company plans to add stations nationwide in the next couple of years.

4. Hawaii: Alternative vehicles, 0.66%; fueling stations, 30.64%; alternative-vehicle growth, 23.4%.

Hawaiians have perpetually been saddled with high gas prices, and it doesn’t look like things are going to get any better. Tesoro intends to shut down its facility in the island state, leaving Chevron as the only game in town. That, combined with the high costs to ship crude there, has gas prices well north of $4.00 a gallon. As gasoline prices remain high in Hawaii, don’t be surprised if more and more drivers make the switch to alternative fuels 

3. Maryland; Alternative vehicles, 0.74%; fueling stations,

From: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/13/which-states-are-the-most-alternative-fuel-friendl/

3 Stocks on My Radar

By Matt Thalman, The Motley Fool

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In the following video, Fool contributor Matt Thalman discusses three stocks he’s been watching and why other investors should be following their moves.

One company is making waves in the casino industry, which could open up doors for other players, while the other two are changing the dynamics of their industries. Knowing what each of these companies is doing not only will allow investors to possibly profit on their business, but it will also help investors become more knowledgeable about what the future may have in store for us all.

Click on the video to find out more.

More Foolish insight
With the European debt crisis and slowing growth in China many investors are worried about heady growth going forward, but fear not, because “The Future Is Made in America.” Domestic manufacturing is poised to once again become the investment driver of the world, and all because of one disruptive technology. You can uncover the three companies that will become the American Steel of tomorrow in The Motley Fool’s new free report. Just click here to read more.

The article 3 Stocks on My Radar originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Matt Thalman owns shares of Tesla Motors. The Motley Fool recommends and owns shares of 3D Systems and Tesla Motors and has options on 3D Systems. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools don’t all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 – 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Why Tesla Motors Will Have the Last Laugh

By John Rosevear, The Motley Fool

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Pundits ridiculed Tesla Motors last week after its “$500 a month” new-car loan program turned out to be based on some dubious assumptions. But Tesla might end up having the last laugh after all. In this video, Fool analyst John Rosevear explains what the real goal of Tesla’s new financing offer might be — and why it’s a great long-range move for the upstart carmaker.

Is it time to buy Tesla now?
Near-faultless execution has led Tesla Motors to the brink of success, but the road ahead remains a hard one. Despite progress, a looming question remains: Will Tesla be able to fend off its big-name competitors? The Motley Fool answers this question and more in our most in-depth Tesla research available for smart investors like you. Thousands have already claimed their own premium ticker coverage, and you can gain instant access to your own by clicking here now.

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From: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/13/why-tesla-motors-will-have-the-last-laugh/

House Republicans will hold hearing on Fisker, Henrik asks for travel funds

By Danny King

2012 fisker karma

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House Republicans have been critical of the Obama Administration over new-energy loans to companies such as Tesla Motors, and will hold a hearing later this month to discuss struggling California-based Fisker Automotive, the Wall Street Journal says.

Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA), of the Government Reform and Oversight Committee, said he will also accelerate a probe into Fisker’s business, and told Automotive News that Fisker, “is a design company, not a manufacturing company. It was destined to fail from the beginning. The greater concern is, does this affect more viable companies, whether they received loans or not?”

Co-founder Henrik Fisker, CEO Tony Posawatz and COO Bernhard Koehler are among those being asked to testify in the April 24 hearing, the Journal reports. Fisker resigned as the company’s executive chairman in March.

“Fisker is a design company, not a manufacturing company. It was destined to fail from the beginning” – Darrell Issa, R-CA.

Republicans have criticized the Obama Administration for US Energy Department loans to companies such as electric-vehicle maker Tesla, now-bankrupt solar-panel maker Solyndra LLC and Fisker, whose $529-million credit line with the government was frozen after just $192 million was distributed because the automaker missed certain production quotas. Nonetheless, Fisker (the man, not the company) has asked for travel expenses reimbursement, but told the Detroit News, “If they are not going to reimburse me as guided by (a staff member), I am still planning to travel on my own expense to testify as I have nothing to hide.”

Last month, Fisker furloughed its US employees and hired a law firm for a potential bankruptcy proceeding.

House Republicans will hold hearing on Fisker, Henrik asks for travel funds originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Electric Vehicle Study Praises Tech, but There's a Catch

By Blake Bos, The Motley Fool

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In the following video, Motley Fool industrials analyst Blake Bos takes a look at a study done by Scientific American, which says that an electric vehicle can drive 6,500 miles on one gigajoule of energy invested into producing the electricity required to propel the vehicle. This was nearly twice the distance that a gasoline-powered car could go on the same amount of energy. But, there’s a catch. Blake tells us what the caveat is, and why electric vehicle investors may have a while to wait before we crack this nut.

Near-faultless execution has led Tesla Motors to the brink of success, but the road ahead remains a hard one. Despite progress, a looming question remains: Will Tesla be able to fend off its big-name competitors? The Motley Fool answers this question and more in our most in-depth Tesla research available for smart investors like you. Thousands have already claimed their own premium ticker coverage, and you can gain instant access to your own by clicking here now.

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From: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/11/electric-vehicle-study-praises-tech-but-theres-a-c/

Alternatives Drive the Peak of Oil Demand

By Travis Hoium, The Motley Fool

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Peak oil was supposed to be about oil’s scarcity and it devastating economic impact as prices shot through the roof. But oil demand has been falling in developed countries, for over a decade in some cases, and Fool.com contributor Travis Hoium thinks that a peak in global demand is around the corner. Erin Miller sat down with Travis to see what’s driving the change. 

One of the drivers in the decline in oil usage is alternatives like electric vehicles. The Motley Fool answers all the question you have and more about this market and its leader, Tesla Motors, in our most in-depth Tesla research available for smart investors like you. Thousands have already claimed their own premium ticker coverage, and you can gain instant access to your own by clicking here now.

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From: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/11/alternatives-drive-the-peak-of-oil-demand/

Forget the Rally: Tesla Is a Buy Right Now

By Tim Beyers and Erin Miller, The Motley Fool

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Tesla Motors has enjoyed a strong year so far. The stock has more than doubled the return of the S&P 500 year to date, up more than 24% as of this writing.

A single-day spike gets most of the credit for the rally. Investors snapped up shares shortly after CEO Elon Musk and team revealed that Tesla would book a surprise profit after delivering 4,750 Model S cars in the first quarter, 250 more than expected.

Is there still time to buy? In the following interview with The Motley Fool’s Erin Miller, Tim Beyers of Motley Fool Rule Breakers and Motley Fool Supernova says short sellers continue to press the stock despite recent production gains and increasingly lucrative partnership deals with Mercedes-Benz and Toyota Motor . He thinks they’re wrong.

Please watch this short video to get Tim’s full take, and then leave a comment to let us know whether you’d buy, sell, or short Tesla’s stock now, and why.

Near-faultless execution has led Tesla Motors to the brink of success, but the road ahead remains a hard one. Despite progress, a looming question remains: Will Tesla be able to fend off its big-name competitors? The Motley Fool answers this question and more in our most in-depth Tesla research available for smart investors like you. Thousands have already claimed their own premium ticker coverage, and you can gain instant access to your own by clicking here now.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

With 787 Battery Tests Complete and Flights Scheduled, Boeing Stock Set to Soar

By Tim Beyers and Erin Miller, The Motley Fool

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Good news, United Continental Holdings investors: Your company’s 787 fleet may be back in the air next month. The carrier has penciled in May 31 for its first domestic flight of the jetliner since January.

Why the confidence? Earlier this week, Boeing stock rallied on news that the company has completed its final flight test of a new battery that appears to include changes publicly suggested by Tesla Motors chief Elon Musk. Ironic given how Boeing rebuffed Musk’s offer to help with a redesign. United is the first U.S. carrier to take delivery of the 787.

Regulators still have to approve the battery system, which could come within weeks. There’s also expected to be a certification period before United or any other carrier is permitted to fly the 787 on certain long-haul routes.

Even so, the test has to be welcome news for owners of Boeing stock, says Motley Fool contributor Tim Beyers in the following interview with The Motley Fool‘s Erin Miller. At the very least, Tim says, efforts to fulfill backlogged orders should begin anew.

Does this news make you more bullish on Boeing’s prospects? What about United’s? Please watch this short video to get the full takeaway, and then leave a comment to let us know whether you’d buy or sell Boeing stock now, and why.

Boeing operates as a major player in a multi-trillion-dollar market in which the opportunities and responsibilities are absolutely massive. However, emerging competitors and the company’s execution problems have investors wondering whether Boeing will live up to its shareholder responsibilities. In our premium research report on the company, two of The Motley Fool‘s best minds on industrials have collaborated to provide investors with the key, must-know issues surrounding Boeing. They’ll be updating the report as key news hits, so don’t miss out — simply click here now to claim your copy today.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Tesla Proves It's All About Range

By Travis Hoium, The Motley Fool

Filed under:

Tesla Motors has been leading the electric vehicle pack, but an announcement by CEO Elon Musk last week proves why it has a huge advantage over competitors: It is dropping a small battery pack for the Model S, focusing on longer-range vehicles that competitors can’t match. This will benefit Tesla’s current vehicles as well as its drivetrain supply business with Mercedes and Toyota

The biggest uncertainty facing Tesla now is whether it will be able to fend off its big-name competitors. The Motley Fool answers this question and more in our most in-depth Tesla research available for smart investors like you. Thousands have already claimed their own premium ticker coverage, and you can gain instant access to your own by clicking here now.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Is Obama's Failed Spending Plan a Boon for Tesla Motors?

By Tim Beyers and Erin Miller, The Motley Fool

Filed under:

Don’t be surprised if Fisker Automotive joins Solyndra as the next political football to plague the Obama administration. Fisker, a maker of electric vehicles and a peer of Tesla Motors that received $193 million in federal aid, has fired three-quarters of its workforce and faces a possible bankruptcy filing.

Do Fisker’s troubles bode poorly for Tesla? In the following interview with The Motley Fool’s Erin Miller, Tim Beyers of Motley Fool Rule Breakers and Motley Fool Supernova says Tesla is thriving thanks to outsized demand and lucrative partnerships with Toyota Motor and Mercedes-Benz. Please watch this short video to get Tim’s full take, and then leave a comment to let us know whether you like Tesla stock at current levels.

Near-faultless execution has led Tesla Motors to the brink of success, but the road ahead remains a hard one. Despite progress, a looming question remains: Will Tesla be able to fend off its big-name competitors? The Motley Fool answers this question and more in our most in-depth Tesla research available for smart investors like you. Thousands have already claimed their own premium ticker coverage, and you can gain instant access to your own by clicking here now.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance