Tesla Motors Shake Up

Tesla Motors founder Martin Eberhard has stepped down from his position as CEO according to a recent press release from companies office in San Carlo, California. In his place will be Michael Marks, former CEO of the $19 billion company Flextronics and early investor in Tesla Motors. Tesla Motors cites is leadership capabilities and experience in manufacturing, operations, and logistics as motivation for giving Marks the nod to be Tesla Motors' new CEO.

Eberhard Will stay on as the companies President of Technology. "Martin and the board have been planning for CEO succession since early this year, and will continue the search for a permanent CEO to lead Tesla Motors," said Elon Musk, Chairman of Tesla Motors. Eberhard wishes to focus more on the Tesla Roadster and other technologies at the all electric car company..

Tesla Motors gained attention with its eco-friendly Tesla Roadster, a powerful sports car with a practical driving range (which is where most electric vehicles hit a snag). Tesla plans to showcase the Roadsters abilities in a trip from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe, with one recharging stop in between.

Analysts say that such moves are common for start companies as they grow and progress. `Frequently the founder invents the company's core concepts and products, but is not well suited, or perhaps not fully comfortable with running a large business. If anything, this could be viewed as a sign of vitality for the company.

There is also concern about a possible delay in production of the roadster. After leaving the CEO position sent an email to customers containing the following statement:

"We are still planning to start production of the Roadster by the end of next month and deliver the first cars to customers this fall. We have a good chance of meeting this goal, but to be fully transparent, I want you to know that while it is within our reach, it is not yet fully within our grasp."