I can't imagine Tesla Motors being happy about this one. Better yet, I can't imagine the owners are happy. Talk about some bad press..

Today, the National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) put a halt to the positive vibes Tesla has been fueling. The most recent recall of the Tesla Roadster could prove to be a huge hit for the company.

“Tesla Motors, Inc. is recalling 345 2008 Tesla Roadster vehicles manufactured between March 2008 and April 22, 2009. The rear hub flange bolts on some of these vehicles may be under-torqued and may become loose…”

Ummm…so you’re saying that this could cause you to crash. If Tesla doesn’t shape up, the new Roadster is going to be known as the all-electric-wrecking-mobile. All you Tesla Roadster owners, you better get your ride back to the shop.

Even better, call the following: “Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safecar.gov.”

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Well, as they say “another one bites the dust.” I can hear the classic Queen song in my head as I begin writing the obituary of the former CEO, Ze’ev Drori.  In my mind, it seems like yesterday we were mourning the passing of CEO, Martin Eberhard.  I feel bad for the next poor bastard that steps up for the challenge. In the meantime,  Chairman Elon Musk will take over duties as the acting CEO.  In everyone’s mind, it seemed like Ze’ev Drori was going to be a good fit with Tesla Motors, but it seems “Extraordinary times require focus,” stated Elon Musk in his latest blog post.

“For this critical phase of the company, the scope of my role at Tesla will expand from executive chairman and product architect to CEO. With SpaceX now having reached orbit and about to enter it’s third year of profitability, I can afford to increase time allocated to Tesla.  Ze’ev Drori, who has made extraordinary progress with the company over the last year as CEO, will stay on the board of directors as vice-chairman and continue to help make the right decisions. It has been and will continue to be a pleasure and an honor working with Ze’ev.”

I guess he is referring to the tough economic times which are forcing young companies, like Tesla Motors, to tighten the belt.  Or maybe Tesla got too big for their britches? Either way, as John McCain would say “Change is Coming.” We’ll all just have to sit tight and wait for Tesla Motor’s next big reveal, the Model S sedan.