Morgan Stanley Research analyst Adam Jonas makes that argument in a new report to investors.

"Not even two years after the delivery of the first Model S, Tesla Motors has transformed from fledgling start-up to arguably the most important car company in the world. We are not joking," Jonas wrote. "Tesla is also emerging as an emblematic force in America's effort to foster high tech manufacturing job growth."

Here's why.

Tesla has gone from zero to hero with automotive suppliers, which once shunned the Palo Alto, Calif., car company.