Tesla headed our way

Australians will soon be able to get behind the wheel of the world's most talked about electric sportscar; the Tesla Roadster. The American firm has revealed plans to enter the local market within the next year as part of its expansion into Asia.

Even though a new Roadster is due for 2013 the company has also revealed plans to continue the current model in order to expand the brand's reach. Although there is currently no official Tesla representation in Australia, plans are underway to get cars here within the next 12 months.

The company already offers right-hand drive versions of the Roadster in the UK, overcoming one major hurdle for low volume overseas brands cracking the Australian market.

"Responding to customer demand, Tesla has negotiated agreements with key suppliers that will increase total Roadster production by 40 per cent and extend sales into 2012," read the statement. "In the coming year, you'll find Roadsters in more countries as we expand to Australia and Asia. Customers in 23 countries have now taken delivery of their Roadster -- last month we delivered the first Roadsters to Spain and Ireland."

It is believed the main supplier Tesla had to negotiate with was Lotus, which supplies the Elise/Exige chassis the Roadster is based on, as it was expected to stop supply of the chassis to Tesla next year. Originally the company faced the prospect of dropping the Roadster next year with no replacement for almost two years.

The company has already confirmed it will be adding the Tesla Model S sedan in 2012 in the American market but Australians will face a longer wait with no official word on if and when that car could join the Roadster Down Under.

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