Tesla Motors tiptoes to Austin retail

​​​​AUSTIN – Without much fanfare, Tesla Motors Inc. has taken the wraps off its new facility in northwest Austin. ​​​

It’s the first of its kind in the region to combine a vehicle service center and showroom.

The California-based electric car maker opened the facility Aug. 8 at Pond Springs Rd. and US Hwy. 183. 

The combined format means Tesla owners can get their cars worked on while those considering a purchase can visit to learn about the autos and the technology behind them. 

The building permit indicated the new Tesla facility is 25,478 sf and valued at $3.5 million.

Elsewhere in Austin, Tesla also has a gallery at The Domain and a service center at 8609 Burnet Rd.

Alexis Georgeson, a Tesla spokeswoman, said Texas is an important market, although sales in this state have lagged behind others.

Of the 78,000 Model S vehicles on the roads in July 2015, about 3,000 were in Texas. 

That number has likely grown as Tesla has sold more than 129,000 Model S vehicles through second quarter 2016.​