Yamaha Xs 650 Wind Shield on 2040-parts.com

Tesla ‘drops’ entry-level Model S. But was it ever going to be available?

The 40kWh version of the Tesla Model S is being dropped by Tesla in the US, but we do wonder if Tesla ever had any intention of delivering it in the first place. Tesla’s big claim ahead of the arrival of the, very impressive, Model S – and a seemingly vital part of the US taxpayer funding Tesla to develop the Model S – was that they would deliver a car that cost under $50k, something the car industry thought impossible. But when the Model S was launched, Tesla did indeed have an entry-level model available with a 4okWh battery that was listed at $58,750 (taking it almost down to the $50k mark after the US taxpayer chipped in the EV bribe) so Elon Musk could, quite reasonably, claim Tesla had delivered.

Nissan Leaf tops 100,000 sales

Nissan has delivered the 100,000th Leaf to a customer in the U.K., reaching a milestone for the pure electric car that seems to be leaving other EVs in its wake. Now, the pure electric Leaf is on sale in 35 countries on four continents, and it has captured 45 percent market share for pure electric vehicles. Amy Eichenberger of Charlottesville, Va., was the 99,999th Nissan Leaf buyer, picking out a Glacier White example at her local dealership for her 10-mile daily commute.

Saab (NEVS) loses right to use Saab name – NEVS gets creditor protection

Saab (NEVS) loses right to use Saab name – NEVS gets creditor protection Just a few weeks ago we reported that Saab and its new owner National Electric Vehicles Sweden (NEVS) were once again up against it with an unpaid supplier filing for bankruptcy. Since the, Saab has been thrown a lifeline by the Swedish courts, and a big kick in the teeth by Saab AB. NEVS right to use the Saab name (although not the Griffin logo) was granted by the owners – the defence firm Saab AB – but in light of NEVS financial predicament that right has been withdrawn.