Click the Roadster for a high-res gallery from the Tesla store opening.

The very first Tesla Motors retail outlet had its grand opening party last night in Santa Monica, CA. We're still waiting for some first hand accounts from the event so if anyone was there and has pics please feel free to share your thoughts. A second outlet is currently being prepared closer to home base in Silicon Valley although we're not sure when that one is opening. During a chat with Tesla Marketing VP Darryl Siry earlier this week, he indicated that production car #3 is now ready for delivery and should be in someone's hands shortly. Car number 4 is the unit that has been shown around Europe this week in Monaco and elsewhere. The first car, of course, went to Chairman and chief fundraiser Elon Musk. That leaves #2, the car destined for ousted company co-founder Martin Eberhard. Martin's car is apparently taking a little longer due to a custom paint job but it should soon be ready as well.

Update: We now have images from the store opening in the gallery. Among the famous folk in attendance were Quincy Jones, Jenny McCarthy and Jenna Elfman.

We're back for AutoblogGreen Podcast #14. In this installment, we recap the Santa Monica Alt Car Expo and many of the interesting things we saw at that show. Everything from converted Russian hatchbacks as NEVs to excessively fast electric drag racers. Sam is currently covering the LA Auto Show for us, and in this show we discuss details on the GM hybrid trucks and cars, as well as everything else with a green tint at the show. Finishing up this episode, Sam's also got an interview with Larry Nitz, executive director of hybrid powertrains at GM, part of the team that developed Allison's two-mode hybrid system. Thanks for listening to all 45 minutes, we'll see you again soon!

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