TSLA Tesla Inc

Tesla Motors Inc. is launching a referral program to juice sales of its Model S sedan ahead of the launch of the delayed Model X SUV.

Current owners who refer new customers will get $1,000 toward the price of a new Model S or off service at a service center. The new customer also will get the incentive.

In elevating tiers, owners who refer five people get invited to a Gigafactory opening party. People who make 10 referrals can buy a "Founder Series" Model X -- a model not available otherwise. The first people to refer 10 customers in North America, Europe and Asia get a Model X free.

The referrals must come before Oct. 31.

Write to Mike Ramsey at michael.ramsey@wsj.com

Subscribe to WSJ: http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires