Would Apple really buy Tesla?

Tesla looks unlikely to stay independent in the long run. While some commentators point to Apple as a possible buyer, a more logical choice are Daimler and Toyota, which already own stakes in Tesla.

By John Voelcker,?Guest blogger / May 14, 2013

Tesla workers cheer on the first Tesla Model S cars sold during a rally in 2012 at the Tesla factory in Fremont, Calif. Commentators say in the long run Tesla is unlikely to remain independent.

Paul Sakuma/AP/File

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It's been a great run for Tesla Motors these last few months.

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The startup electric-car maker delivered 4,900 Model S luxury sport sedans from January through March, got a?rave review from?Consumer Reports, and reported its?first-ever profitable quarter.

CEO Elon Musk even dropped hints that it might be?working with Google on self-driving car?technology.

But Green Car Reports argues that Tesla is?unlikely to remain independent?in the long term.

A few commentators--here?and?here--have suggested that Apple might acquire Tesla Motors [NSDQ:TSLA], but that seems to stretch credulity.

Instead, the two carmakers that already own stakes in Tesla are by far the front-runners to take over the company--or at least expand the joint product development deals each has used to engineer low-volume electric?compliance cars?to meet California zero-emission vehicle requirements.

Those companies are Daimler, which makes Mercedes-Benz and Smart cars, and Toyota.

Green Car Reports suggests that Ford, not currently a believer in electric cars,?might be a logical acquirer?for Tesla as well.

What do you think? Can Tesla stay independent while it grows, or is it bound to be bought up by some large global automaker?

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