Introduction
Tesla is leading the charge of sustainability in the automobile market, and they have been highly successful in terms of sales numbers. Their iconic Model S sold 10,030 cars within the 1st quarter of 2015, showing a 55 percent YOY increase. Their powerwall battery is considered a huge breakthrough for the renewable energy. The battery aims at storing energy for homes from the solar panel. Their hyperloop technology would be able to transport people in solar powered capsules from Los Angeles to San Francisco at the speed of 760 Mph. Tesla is also promising that no company will be sued for the use of their technology and Tesla keep supporting improvement in sustainable transport. Finally, Tesla’s new gigafactory in Nevada is powered solely by renewable technology created by solar panels and wind farms (Edie, 2015).
Public Relations Tools
Media Relations
Media relations include the strategies focusing on circulation of messages through several media channels, which manages the way Tesla’s image and work is portrayed in the news.
The media strategies can include releasing fact sheets and media statements, offering news people on-site tours, which encourages positive journalism for the business, and use of social media for gaining the attention of prominent journalists and tracking journalists reporting for the automobile industry (Queensland Government, 2015).
Social Media
Social media has been a prominent tool for public relations for several major corporations for the past few years. The advantage of using social media is that news bypasses customers and directly approaches customers. Social media sites would also allow Tesla to follow the activities of prominent journalists and their interests, making to easier for the company to approach them (Queensland Government, 2015).
Business Events
Events provide opportunities for businesses to gain relevant exposure for their company and products, promote new features or services, and share accurate information to the target market.
In terms of sales generation, business events give chances to counter any doubt customers have and develop customer confidence. Tesla should participate in several business events related to automobile industry, innovation or technology and build potential customers (Queensland Government, 2015).
Speaking Engagements
Speaking at business events where several customers and industry leaders, attend helps the position of the company as recognition as an innovator or leader. Elon Musk as the leader of Tesla needs to speak at several tech and automobile events and forge a strong reputation of Tesla to draw customer interest (Queensland Government, 2015).
Employee Relations
Employees work as ambassadors of the business and help in forging strong brand repute. Tesla needs to build team relationships and work culture that promotes employee satisfaction and makes them feel like part of the process, rather than just hired help (Queensland Government, 2015).
Conclusion
Tesla has become one of the pioneers of innovation in the form of sustainability, recycling and reuse in the automobile industry. With their strong business value, Tesla can use several public relations tools to ensure they communicate their business values and product with the customers and develop strong brand repute in the industry. Some of these tools are strong media relations, maximizing impact of social media, developing employee relations, attending business events and taking speaking engagements.
References
Edie. (17 June 2015). 5 ways Tesla is leading the sustainability charge. Retrieved 7 February 2016 from, http://www.edie.net/library/5-ways-Tesla-is-leading-the-sustainability-charge/6603
Queensland Government. (2015). Public relations tools and activities. Retrieved 6 February 2016 from, https://www.business.qld.gov.au/business/running/marketing/public-relations/public-relations-tools-activities
