In a surprise move, Tesla Motors will build its electric-car factory in the Bay Area, not New Mexico as previously announced, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Monday.
Schwarzenegger, along with State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, said California was able to provide San Carlos-based Tesla with incentives, including the waiving of state sales tax on $100 million worth of manufacturing equipment, to entice the company to build its assembly plant here.
"We want these cutting-edge companies not just to start in California and do their research and development here. We want them to build in California," said Schwarzenegger, who toured the Tesla headquarters with Lockyer Monday before his announcement....
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger prepares to meet the press following a tour of Tesla Motors in San Carlos on June 30, 2008. Tesla Motors makes a two-seater high-performance electric car and plans to make a sedan. Tesla will build aan assembly plant in the Bay Area, the governor announced. (Gary Reyes/Mercury News) ( Gary Reyes )
The crowd packs the garage at Tesla Motors in San Carlos during a visit by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on June 30, 2008. Schwarzenegger announced that Tesla Motors will build their cars here in California. Tesla Motors makes a two-seater high-performance electric car and plans to make a sedan. (Gary Reyes/Mercury News) ( Gary Reyes )
