Tesla unveils revamped EV factory
U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Tesla CEO Elon Musk and local officials were on hand as the company showed off changes to the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. factory, known as Nummi.
"It says that we can have a blue-collar manufacturing base, but it says if we're smart, that manufacturing base is green. It's green energy. That's the future," Feinstein said during a ceremony at the sprawling plant that Tesla bought in May.
Although production of the Model S sedan is not expected to begin until 2012, Tesla spokeswoman Khobi Brooklyn said new equipment needed to make electric cars has already been brought in. She said about 70 workers have been hired.
The work force is expected to be around 1,200 when production reaches its peak.
"This plant was really the one that we always hoped we could get but really didn't think we could ever afford," said Musk.
Nummi was a joint venture between General Motors Co. and Toyota until the Detroit auto giant filed for bankruptcy last year. Tesla is now in a partnership with Toyota.
The Model S is designed to travel more than 300 miles on a three- to five-hour charge. Tesla plans to sell the electric sedan for $49,900, including federal tax credits.
"Model S is blazing a new trail for the industry, and it will all happen right here," Musk said. "This is a momentous day in Tesla history, turning our advanced electric vehicle technology into a mass manufacturing reality."
Related News

To Limit Climate Change, Scientists Try To Improve Solar And Wind Power
WASHINGTON - Solar energy in Wisconsin continued to grow in 2019, as more homeowners had rooftop panels installed and big utilities started building multi-panel solar farms.
Wind power is increasing more slowly in the state. However, developers are again coming forward with proposals for multiple turbines.
Nationally, researchers are working on ways to get even more energy from solar and wind, as states like Wisconsin aim to reduce their carbon emissions over the next few decades.
One reason solar energy is growing in Wisconsin is due to the silicon panels becoming more efficient. But scientists haven't finished trying to improve panel efficiency. The…