Tesla started as an electric car company founded by engineers Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning in 2003.
Here's a breakdown of the early years:
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Founding: Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning established Tesla Motors with the original goal of building a high-performance electric sports car.
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Early Investment & Elon Musk: Elon Musk, co-founder of PayPal, joined Tesla as an early investor and became Chairman of the Board. His investment and vision significantly influenced the company's direction.
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Leadership Transition: While Eberhard initially served as CEO, Musk later took over the role in 2008.
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First Car - The Roadster: In 2008, Tesla launched its first electric vehicle, the Roadster. This demonstrated that electric cars could be both high-performance and desirable, paving the way for future models.
In summary, Tesla's origins lie in the vision of Eberhard and Tarpenning to create compelling electric vehicles, coupled with the significant investment and leadership of Elon Musk.
