California is yet again in the spotlight with Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Governor of California, announcing at a press conference that he will give his full backing to Tesla’s proposed manufacture of a 4-door, 5-passenger saloon. It had initially been thought that the new Tesla saloon would be produced in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but a program review established that the proximity of engineering and research development functions at the Tesla headquarters in San Carlos would prove extremely advantageous.
The Tesla battery pack, an important component of the Tesla Roadster is presently manufactured in California. Governor Schwarzenegger is adamant that Tesla remain in California stating that “Today’s announcement is incredible news for California’s economy and its environment. If California was a baseball team this would be like winning the first round draft pick and recruiting a player who is a perfect fit on our roster because Tesla Motors and its all-electric cars belong in California.”
This latest news comes on the back of the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority approving a new program that will lead to the exemption of zero-emission vehicle manufacturers from sale and use tax on the purchase of manufacturing equipment. Bill Lockyer, of CAEATFA, said “These vehicles can play a big part in helping California successfully implement its groundbreaking laws to fight climate change”.
The CEO of Tesla Motors, Ze’ev Drori, remarked that “Tesla has achieved an extraordinary accomplishment. We are the only automobile company today delivering full performance battery-electric vehicles to our customers. Make no mistake – we are not a niche player with a car only for the rich and famous. As our agreement with the state so clearly demonstrates, we are building a high volume ZERO EMISSION VEHICLE, manufactured in California for mid-range family use. And we aren’t going to stop there. We will continue on and build even more affordable cars.”
The Tesla saloon will begin production in late 2010 and will incorporate powertrain technology to develop a car that is both stylish and practical.
