Would Apple really buy Tesla?
Tesla looks unlikely to stay independent in the long run. While some commentators point to Apple as a possible buyer, a more logical choice are Daimler and Toyota, which already own stakes in Tesla.
Tesla workers cheer on the first Tesla Model S cars sold during a rally in 2012 at the Tesla factory in Fremont, Calif. Commentators say in the long run Tesla is unlikely to remain independent.
Paul Sakuma/AP/File
It's been a great run for Tesla Motors these last few months.
The startup electric-car maker delivered 4,900 Model S luxury sport sedans from January through March, got a聽, and reported its聽.
CEO Elon Musk even dropped hints that it might be聽听迟别肠丑苍辞濒辞驳测.
But Green Car Reports argues that Tesla is聽聽in the long term.
A few commentators--听补苍诲听--have suggested that Apple might acquire Tesla Motors [NSDQ:TSLA], but that seems to stretch credulity.
Instead, the two carmakers that already own stakes in Tesla are by far the front-runners to take over the company--or at least expand the joint product development deals each has used to engineer low-volume electric聽聽to meet California zero-emission vehicle requirements.
Those companies are Daimler, which makes Mercedes-Benz and Smart cars, and Toyota.
Green Car Reports suggests that Ford, not currently a believer in electric cars,聽聽for Tesla as well.
What do you think? Can Tesla stay independent while it grows, or is it bound to be bought up by some large global automaker?