Electric car shop opens in London

Assisted by the foreign direct investment agency Think London, the California-based company has set up a base in Knightsbridge to capitalise on the city's green ambitions.

Michael Charlton, Chief Executive of Think London, said: "London was the obvious destination for Tesla as the Mayor of London recently announced his commitment to making electric cars the 'first choice for Londoners'. As well as London being the UK's biggest car market, the Mayor's vision to make London the electric car capital of Europe provides a great business opportunity, and we expect interest from overseas investors in this sector to grow.

London was the obvious destination for Tesla as the Mayor of London recently announced his commitment to making electric cars the 'first choice for Londoners

Michael Charlton

Chief Executive

Think London

Tesla produces the Roadster, a high-performance electric sports car, which it hopes will help attract car enthusiasts to the environmentally-friendly vehicles.

The company said its decision to move to London was influenced significantly by its green credentials, including commitments to reduce emissions and incentives for drivers who own electric vehicles.

Incentives available to these drivers include tax exemption, free parking, no congestion charge and low running costs.

Don Cochrane, UK Sales and Marketing Director of Tesla, said: "London has always been a lead market for new products and innovations. Thanks to the Mayor of London's commitment and forward planning of logistics and infrastructure it was the obvious choice for us to launch our first European store.

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