Tesla Will Close Most of Its Stores, Only Sell Cars Online

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in a call with reporters Thursday that the company will only sell its vehicles online. As a result, the electric carmaker will close most of its stores over the 'next few months.' The Verge reports: Tesla will keep some of its retail locations open, which the company described as 'a small number of stores in high-traffic locations remaining as galleries, showcases and Tesla information centers.' The decision to shift away from brick-and-mortar retail is necessary if the company is to remain financially sustainable, Tesla said. The company's finances have stabilized somewhat in recent months, but Tesla still operates on very tight margins. Tesla said in a blog post: 'You can now buy a Tesla in North America via your phone in about 1 minute, and that capability will soon be extended worldwide. We are also making it much easier to try out and return a Tesla, so that a test drive prior to purchase isn't needed. You can now return a car within 7 days or 1,000 miles for a full refund. Quite literally, you could buy a Tesla, drive several hundred miles for a weekend road trip with friends and then return it for free.'
The company announced the move at the same time it said it will finally begin to sell its long-promised $35,000 Model 3.

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