Tesla to Open Chicago Dealership This Spring
Upscale electric-car maker Tesla announced it will open its first dealership outside California this spring in Chicago. The company is still trying to build enough of its Roadster to meet original orders, and has plans to launch a less expensive electric sedan later this year.
Chicago seems like an ideal place for the sedan to take off, as we see countless high-end sedans commuting into the city, where Cars.com is based.
However, speaking as locals, we’re curious as to why Tesla chose the River West neighborhood to open its shop. While the location at 1053 W. Grand is large enough for the company’s needs, it’s not a part of the street that gets walk-by traffic, nor is there plentiful parking anywhere nearby.
In fact, driving that stretch of Grand heading toward downtown you wouldn’t even notice this building. The only benefit would be that perhaps people passing by on the Kennedy Expressway — especially the Ohio offramp which heads straight downtown — would see a billboard or signage and have their interest piqued.
A location in the trendier West Loop, with its many restaurants and shops, would have seemed like a more natural fit to us.
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Wouldn't Tesla cramp Chicago's style? It would make more sense in a green state. :) This will be interesting!
EH,
Chicago is a large metropolitan area which is relatively car friendly. Electric cars make sense in such areas. How it handles sub freezing winter temps is a bigger question.
Makes minimal sense in an urban area where garage space with access to a power source to recharge is exceedingly rare.
Works great if you have a garage attached to your house, not so great if you live in an apartment or condo.
south loop would have been better in my biased opinion.
Nikola,
Because of the location off the highway my guess is the store is aimed at people commuting from the wealthier north and northwest suburbs who have garages for the Porsches etc.
Hector,
South Loop is up and coming too. I think West Loop is a tad trendier though. Not that thats good or bad, just probably better for their market.
Or even better, along Ogden Ave. between Continental Autosports (Maserati, Ferrari) and Lamborghini of Chicago in Westmont or Hinsdale.
Heck, maybe the General Motors Training Center in Hinsdale can be repurposed for Tesla ;)
I'm guessing the Tesla's range will be down to the 100 to 125 mile range in the winter.
As someone in the Chicago area that has signed on for a Tesla, this is great news. I hope my car doesn't need service but if it does, the 30 mile trip will be fine. I can't wait to get my Tesla.
I'm envious. You're going to have a good time smoking Mustangs and BMWs.
ABC news did a segment about Tesla because they are broadcasting from California. They praised California and Tesla founders for being innovative and naturally said Tesla is doing what "Detroit" refused to do. No mention of the lack of electric cars at Toyota or Honda of course. They did mention the high price of the roadster but didnt seem to think that was a big deal. They said Tesla could be the start of a huge industry that could help California out of its terrible slump. I dont think 20 cars a week means Tesla is the new Ford but apparently I am underestimating how many Americans want a $110k car during a recession.