Tesla Motors Inc. (TSLA) said it will replace defective drive
units in certain Model S cars sold in Norway after some owners
reported the parts were wearing out.
Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk emailed owners of Model S sedans
in Norway to acknowledge the problem, the company said. Tesla said
a part connecting the drive motor to the gearbox could fail because
it didn't get enough grease applied when it was manufactured.
"Unfortunately, this happened when a large batch of cars were
produced for Norway, affecting approximately 1,100 vehicles.
Approximately 1% have experienced premature wear out" of the
coupling, the company said in a statement.
The problem affects high-performance versions of the Model S,
battery-powered luxury sedans. Tesla said it will fly replacement
parts to Norway, and hire more service technicians in the country
to speed repairs. The Palo Alto, Calif., auto company said the
repairs should be finished within a month.
Norway is one of the most-important markets for Tesla outside of
the U.S. and China, thanks in part to generous government
incentives that make the $75,000-and-up electric sedans more
affordable.
Write to Joseph B. White at joseph.white@wsj.com
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