
Tesla Model X Blows Away Cynics at Fremont Unveiling
The Tesla Model X SUV was introduced earlier this week to rave reviews for its design touches, including rear “falcon-wing” doors that open upward for seven passengers.

The Tesla Model X SUV was introduced earlier this week to rave reviews for its design touches, including rear “falcon-wing” doors that open upward for seven passengers.

Competition is about to crank up in the emerging plug-in luxury vehicle sector, with Mercedes debuting its C350e plug-in hybrid-electric sedan this September at about half the cost of Tesla Model S sedan. Mercedes will also become the first car company to deliver diesel powered full-size sedans and SUVs at discounts to gasoline equivalents.

On June 12, 2014, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on the company’s web site that “All Our Patent Belong to You.” In adopting an “open source” policy to allow others to use the company’s patented intellectual property for free, Tesla’s stock (NASDAQ-TSLA) went up and the company got lots of publicity. But the statement preserved patent rights by requiring “good faith”, which is definitely not “open source.” Now, in a bizarre move, Musk has announced unlimited free-use of Tesla’s patents. Twenty-four hours later, Apple leaked that it is designing an electric vehicle and is now bidding to recruit Tesla employees.