Tesla’s Musk: This Is the Year We Make Money

This is going to be a big year for Tesla — the first in which it actually posts a profit.

Stopping by the Detroit Auto Show earlier this week, Tesla founder Elon Musk said one of the company’s big goals for the year is to reach profitability.

“Now, the tough thing for Tesla is to actually make a profit for the first time,” Musk said, adding that such a milestone is far more likely at the end of the year than it is now. “I’m hoping we’ll have a profitable quarter this year. Shame on us if we can’t achieve that.”

With that goal in mind, Tesla is moving forward with some agressive plans for retail expansion. The automaker intends to open 25 new stores this year. Half are to be in the United States, the other half overseas, including a Beijing store that’s expected to open its doors in the spring. Also on Tesla’s plate for the year ahead: Increasing the number of Supercharger charging stations in the U.S. to the point where Tesla owners can actually take a reasonable road trip.