Strategic partnership: Daimler acquires stake in Tesla

• German automaker acquires nearly 10 percent of one of the leading electric vehicle companies
• Automakers agreed to cooperate in battery systems, electric drive systems and vehicle projects

Read the press release here http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=1356

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Daimler
• Tesla
• Roadster
• Model S
• Electric Smart

[stockjonebills]

Instead of trying to bailout and then take %5o ownership of companies like GM, the government should just let GM take its fall and support innovative new companies like Tesla.

[kostea13]

Tesal is the real DEAL! EV ARE HERE !

[3089280288]

@stvlush Read Shimstock1's comments.

[stvlush]

@3089280288 I'm sure Daimler could make an electric drive line but that would require allocation of resources and R&D time. Tesla has a proven platform they could buy, license or co-opt if this EV thing catches on and they want to bring an EV to market in 12 months. Development time should be pretty quick on cars with essentially one moving part especially when somebody you have a relationship with already makes that part (I realize I'm oversimplifying but you get the point.)

[3089280288]

@stvlush If Diamler wanted to make ev's, they would not need Tesla to do it. Diamler is the biggest conglomerate in the world. They make thier own parts. Surely they could make thier own e car if they wanted to.

[stvlush]

Don't forget to save some blame on us stupid Americans who start screaming at the auto companies when gas gets expensive, then we run out and buy SUVs when it drops again. Short memories. I'm buying a Model S and I'm not worried about Daimler owning 10%. Tesla needs cash. Daimler is savvy and wants to have an edge on other automakers. In these uncertain times, being cozy with Tesla is smart. If EVs get popular suddenly, Daimler has a friend in the EV industry and a jump on the competition.

[jabo109k]

I just hope this doesn't slow Tesla down. Mercedes Benz knows how to find fancy names for things, but as many other large companies they lack innnovative thinking and they have no ideas. Now they are trying to buy them instead...

[bagheera32]

You're right; but I believe in the strenght of the US to bounce back; it's not in the interest of the world that US economy fails. Will take a while with hard times ahead but you'll make it. (That having said; watch out for the Chinese; just back from a trip and those are the ones to watch more so than us Europeans !)

[Shimstock1]

Correct. It's very common. In this case, Diamler's action is clear. (acquiring only 10% of Tesla) That has a lot to do with Elon Musk only allowing that much ownership, but also minimizes Diamler risk. Nevertheless, objective is achieved. As an established player, what you want is a 'seat at the table' with the promising upstart. No more is needed. Diamler has achieved that and they started process about 18 months ago, while US and other Mfg's slept on it, to their ultimate detriment.

[bagheera32]

It very common for car manufacturers to have stakes in each others companies. Tesla is promising but still has an insignificant market share compared to the total car market. A company like Daimler might boost this. I think it's positive car makers have gotten a wake up call and turn to efficient and eco friendly cars. Tesla is showing you can make a profit and there is demand ! Others should follow suit instead of playing victim...