Yes, but why is this significant? Its not like this is the first time that Tesla have brought a vehicle to production. They've had cars on the market since 2008.

Nope, it's the second time they've brought a vehicle to production.

And unlike the Roadster, which was a $100K toy for rich people, the Model S is a practical $60K sedan for not-quite-as-rich people.

I worry that the market is leaving Tesla behind, though. With the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf on the market, not to mention the gorgeous Fisker Karma, the case for a Model S is getting weaker.

The volt and leaf are selling awfully. You might take that as a case against electric cars in general - automakers sure are! But I believe you would be mistaken, because the leaf and volt are complete eyesores inside and out. And really, when has a totally new product seen it's first success in the low end market? Low end electric cars with current tech are just not built well enough to actually use.

Indeed; I live in a fairly well-off area (Santa Barbara) and while there are more $100k+ exotic cars here than other places I live, there aren't that many. Mercedes E class and BMW 5 series though are all over the place.