Tesla Motors wants another $250 million (IPO)

Tesla has a great idea and product. What they lack is a solid mass-production/distribution system.

As much as I'd hate to see it, I think Tesla needs to be acquired by GM or some other American brand and then use their technology with their new owner's production and funding capacities to get the car to market. Current 2008 models have sold out, and they haven't produced any yet! to get one, you have to get on the 2009 waiting list, which should ship sometime in 2010, at this rate (Tesla is silent on anticipated delivery dates, I'm only speculating 2010 delivery). They're already producing and selling their battery system to Toyota I believe.

A Tesla - GM/Ford combo I believe would be what it takes to effectively compete against Toyota and Honda, who both already have the production capacity and electric cars in the works.

They could always partner with upscale car makers like BMW, too.

I hope Tesla succeeds, but I wonder whether it's even possible for a new North American car company to succeed, regardless of their technology. With the falling dollar, maybe their odds have increased. And yeah, a Democrat president will likely make it easier for electric car companies. But we're only a couple of years away from Tata Motors cars, air cars, mass-produced DIY electric kits, etc. And in the midst of a recession, Tesla's cars are especially expensive! Brave souls, they are.