Tesla Motors, manufacturers of performance electric cars, was named a recipient of the Global Green USA Product/Industrial Design Award for its work in developing the Tesla Roadster, the world’s first all-electric, Lithium-ion battery powered sports car. Monday evening, Tesla and three other leading innovators were honored at the 7^th annual Designing a Sustainable and Secure World Awards, an event co-sponsored by Global Green USA and Green Cross International.

Each year, Global Green recognizes advancements made in industry, building, media and public policy that move the world toward a sustainable and secure future.

"There couldn''t be a more important time for these innovators,” said Mikhail Gorbachev, President of Green Cross International, Global Green USA’s parent organization, through an interpreter. “Designing a more sustainable and secure world will make us all safer and healthier."

Tesla Motors, based in San Carlos, Calif., is in the process of bringing the all-electric Tesla Roadster sports car to market. It is capable of going from zero to 60 mph in around four seconds, has a top speed of better than 130 mph, and can travel up to 250 Miles on a single charge. The car’s power comes from its Lithium-ion Energy Storage System, or battery pack, which can be recharged in about 3.5 hours. First deliveries are expected to begin next summer.

“Sustainability and resource depletion are among our deepest concerns,” said Martin Eberhard, CEOand co-founder of Tesla Motors. “We set out to design a car that combines style, acceleration and handling with advanced technologies in order to make the Tesla Roadster a viable alternative to fossil-fuel cars.”

Other Winners include Goldman, Sachs & Co., for designand implementation of corporate policies that preserve and protect the environment; Sundance Channel for the development of Sundance Channel GREEN, a weekly primetime programming block focusing on environmental topics; and Bank of America, forcreating one of the country’s greenest high-rise buildings.

About Tesla Motors

Tesla Motors was founded in July 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning to create efficient electric cars for people who love to drive. The Chairman of Tesla Motors, a privately held company, is Elon Musk, who has led or co-led all three rounds of investment resulting in $60 million in funding. Musk has been instrumental in both corporate and product development at Tesla Motors.

Tesla Motors currently employs more than 80 people, including teams in California, the U.K.and Taiwan. The company has recruited employees whose background and experience mirror the vehicle itself, drawing from diverse expertise in the electronics, automotive and software industries.

Tesla Motors creates vehicles that conform to all U.S.safety, environmental and durability standards. The cars include modern safety equipment such as airbags, front crumple zones, side impact protection and 2½ mph bumpers. Tesla Motors will only sell cars in the U.S.once they pass the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS).