CALSTART Applauds Tesla-Toyota Partnership
Putting CA Auto Suppliers Back in Business Creating Vehicles of the Future
Shows California Policies & Incentives Are Working

Pasadena, CA – Late last night, Toyota and Tesla announced a partnership--contingent upon the execution of the Tesla Initial Public Offering--to work together to produce electric vehicles at the former NUMMI plant in Fremont, California. 

CALSTART's President and CEO, John Boesel, praised the joint effort as a significant step in building the clean transportation technology industry in California.

"This unique partnership combines the experience and capabilities of a leading established car manufacturer with the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of a leading California start-up company.  This partnership will allow for the Tesla vehicles to be brought to the market faster and may well accelerate the over-all growth of the plug-in electric vehicle market," said Boesel.

"The Tesla-Toyota announcement to build electric vehicles at the NUMMI plant is a great statement about the outlook for the growth in high quality jobs in the California clean transportation technology sector.  This partnership will be able to take advantage of the thousands of highly skilled workers who have been building internal combustion engine vehicles and components at the NUMMI plant for decades," Boesel said.

"Re-opening a manufacturing plant in the heart of Silicon Valley shows that California strong pro-clean tech policies and incentives are working.  California officials and voters need to keep pushing ahead and supporting the state’s pro-clean tech and clean air policies," Boesel said.

Earlier this year, CALSTART was instrumental in the passage of Senate Bill 71, which exempts the purchase of clean tech manufacturing equipment from state sales tax. Being exempt from paying state sales tax on its manufacturing equipment was a key factor in Tesla’s decision to manufacture clean vehicles in California. Prior to the passage of SB 71, California was one of only three states which had a sales tax on clean tech manufacturing equipment.

About CALSTART

CALSTART is a non-profit organization focused on the growth of the clean transportation technology industry.  CALSTART is headquartered in Pasadena and works both statewide and nationally to support its 130 member companies who are developing and producing a wide array of fuels, vehicles, and technologies that help improve air quality, cut dependence on oil, and protect the climate.  For more information visit:  www.calstart.org

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John Boesel

President and CEO

CALSTART

email:  jboesel@calstart.org

Southern California Office                     Northern California Office

48 S. Chester Ave.                               1160 Brickyard Cove Rd., Suite 101

Pasadena, CA  91106                           Richmond, CA  94801

Tel:  (626) 744-5607                              Tel:  (510) 307-8700

www.calstart.org