Obama drives past Tesla

[doug]

I guess I didn't get around to posting the story a couple days ago that Obama would be visiting an EV facility in California.

Obama plans to visit electric vehicle facility | detnews.com | The Detroit News

In stead of visiting Tesla or a "Detroit 3" facility he went to Southern California's Edison Electric Vehicle Technical Center. <yawn>

However, he apparently (accidentally?) drove past the Tesla LA store.

EV WORLD COMMENTATOR PERSPECTIVES [BLOGS]

 

[TEG]

I wonder what they were doing there... That is a long way from Pomona...

He needs a Model S Limo, given how much fuel the current one uses...

 

[TEG]

Perhaps he was on his way to the Tonight Show set.

 

[doug]

"Tesla's Los Angeles Showroom Gets Presidential Drive-By 'Visit'" Green Car Advisor

 

[dpeilow]

Window shopping :smile:

 

[vfx]

It seems a bit staged (not that it's a bad thing).


********************************
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 18, 2009

DAILY GUIDANCE AND PRESS SCHEDULE FOR

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2009

In the morning, President Obama will receive the Presidential Daily Briefing in Los Angeles, CA. The President will then tour the Edison Electric Vehicle Technical Center in Pomona, CA. The tour will be pooled press. Following the tour, he will deliver remarks. The President's remarks will be pooled press.

The President will then depart Pomona and travel to the Miguel Contreras Learning Center in Los Angeles to hold a town hall meeting with local residents. He will be joined by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. The event will be open press.

The President will then tape an interview on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, which will air Thursday night.

The President will depart California in the evening to return to Washington, D.C. The departure from Long Beach Airport and the arrival on the South Lawn are open press.
****************************

So did the caravan go out of it's way to pass Tesla?

Map from Pomona to LA to Burbank


Map form Pomona to LA past the Tesla Store to Burbank

Or is it a "security safe" route.

 

[DrComputer]

He was staying in Century City, so driving down Santa Monica Blvd past the Tesla store was just the most direct way to the freeway.

 

[vfx]

Thanks for that.
I knew i was making a big deal about nothing but a tiny part of me was hoping he wanted to see the dealership.

(and yes, drive the Roadster)

 

[TEG]

(and yes, drive the Roadster)

No, secret service apparently doesn't allow that!

 

[vfx]

Yeah, I remember Jeremy saying that.

A guy can dream though...

 

[Brent]

I work across the street from the Century Plaza Hotel. It was a bit surreal -- quiet, and calm, too -- walking home those two nights. Police lined the parking entrances and exits for each office building, no traffic was allowed on Ave. of the Stars, and the place had a battened-down feel. Meanwhile, the streets surrounding Century City were mad with traffic, honking, screaming, and all the rest.