Tesla Motors posts a loss

The automaker known for a $109,000 Roadster, said its net loss widened to $34.9 million, or 38 cents per share, in the third quarter, from $4.6 million, or 66 cents per share, a year earlier. Revenue fell 31.4 percent to $31.2 million.

Tesla had previously said it expected to report losses until at least 2012. It expects to introduce the Model S sedan at a price of about $57,400 around the middle of 2012.

The carmaker said it is now testing a prototype powertrain for the Model S and expects to complete a test version of the vehicle by the end of the year.

Tesla, which completed an initial public offering in the summer, has agreed to act as a key supplier to Toyota Motor Corp for an electric Toyota RAV4.

Toyota holds a $50 million stake in Tesla and Panasonic Corp has agreed to invest $30 million.