Tesla selected Tulsa and Austin, TX as finalists for its new assembly plant, according to a report by CNBC.
Tesla is an American electric vehicle and clean energy company headquartered in Palo Alto, California.
In a search for the perfect location for Tesla's fifth Gigafactory, executives reportedly visited two locations in Tulsa this week.
Governor Kevin Stitt released the following statement Friday in response to media reports:
To the press, we can't comment on any pending proposals. To Elon Musk and Tesla, the people of Oklahoma love our trucks, we love our rockets and we would love to partner with you here in our great state. As a Tulsan myself, I can tell you that confusing the names Tulsa and Tesla has happened more than once, so it would only be appropriate to have a Tesla factory right here. Oklahoma is open for business and our world-class workforce, business-friendly policies and caring people make us an excellent choice for companies worldwide. When you consider our state’s central location – providing access to a wide customer base – and Tulsa’s nationally-recognized quality of life and strong manufacturing workforce, we would make a great long-term partner for a world-class company like Tesla. When you factor in our state’s automotive engineer workforce tax credit, it makes even more financial sense for Tesla to set up shop in Tulsa.
Tulsa's Mayor G.T. Bynum released the following statement:
While I can not comment on potential projects, it is clear that Tesla and Tulsa were forged in the same spirit. Both founded by pioneers who dreamt big and made it happen. Both trying to change the world with a new kind of energy. Both investing big in what matters most: people. Tulsa is a city that doesn’t stifle entrepreneurs - we revere them. And as Tesla continues to rapidly change transportation all around the world, I can’t imagine a better place for them to further that important work than Green Country.
Tulsa and Austin are both considered strong contenders because of their strong manufacturing workforces and central locations that would support vehicle production for the midwest and eastern states, the report said.
Although Tesla is eyeing the two mid-sized cities, it may also look into other possible locations nationwide.
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