Pundits ridiculed Tesla Motors (TSLA +0.57%) last week after its "$500 a month" new-car loan program turned out to be based on some dubious assumptions. But Tesla might end up having the last laugh after all. In this video, Fool analyst John Rosevear explains what the real goal of Tesla's new financing offer might be -- and why it's a great long-range move for the upstart carmaker.
Why Tesla Motors Will Have the Last Laugh
By John Rosevear – Apr 13, 2013 at 12:00PM
NASDAQ: TSLA
Tesla
Market Cap
$1.3T
Today's Change
(0.57%) $2.31
Current Price
$404.30
Price as of November 14, 2025 at 3:58 PM ET
Tesla's new car-loan program could be a very smart move.
About the Author
John Rosevear is a senior contributing Motley Fool auto analyst covering automakers and trends shaping the global auto industry. John’s tenure with the company spans 15 years covering auto stocks, mutual funds, and retirement investing. He is a former CNBC reporter who covered the future of autos, including electric vehicles and self-driving cars. Prior to The Motley Fool, he worked at Fidelity Investments in communications and investor education roles. He holds a bachelor’s degree in government from Cornell University. He once spent an entire day sitting on the floor of Peter Lynch’s office – with Lynch present.