Photo: Tesla
The purchase of factory space in Fremont, California set the stage for the mass production of Tesla cars, which powered the EV revolution. On October 27, the company celebrated the 11th anniversary of the purchase of the factory.
Tesla's Fremont factory is one of the most advanced automotive plants in the world today, and creates tens of thousands of new jobs. Model S, 3, X, and Y are produced there to ensure a constant influx of electric vehicles, which are replacing cars with internal combustion engines. This factory has played a key role in Tesla's growth, which is why it is so important to remember its history.
Tesla originally planned to build an assembly plant in Albuquerque, New Mexico and construction was to begin in April 2007. However, for a number of reasons, it was canceled. Needing a manufacturing facility, the company considered various options and planned to build a new plant in San Jose, California. However, the construction cost was prohibitive, so Tesla continued to search for alternatives.
The acquisition of the premises of New United Motor Manufacturing (NUMMI) was considered as one of the options. The factory was operated as the GM Fremont Assembly from 1962 to 1982, and between 1984 and 2009 was used by NUMMI, a joint venture between General Motors and Toyota. However, at the time, this factory was too large and expensive for Tesla. But, for several years, the enterprise was unprofitable, until in 2010 the mayor of Fremont considered this place incapacitated. This made it possible for Tesla to buy it at a more affordable price.
On May 20, 2010, Tesla and Toyota announced an electric vehicle development partnership and collaboration on electric vehicle development, parts, manufacturing system(s), and engineering support. This included Tesla's partial purchase of the former NUMMI site, mainly consisting of the factory building, for $42 million.
On October 19, 2010, Tesla closed the acquisition and reopened the factory on October 27. “This is a momentous day in Tesla history, turning our advanced electric vehicle technology into a mass manufacturing reality,” said Tesla CEO Elon Musk that day. "Model S is blazing a new trail for the industry and it will all happen right here; the Tesla Factory gives us plenty of room to grow." The first retail delivery of Tesla Model S took place during a special event at the Tesla factory on June 22, 2012.
“This is a momentous day in Tesla history, turning our advanced electric vehicle technology into a mass manufacturing reality,” @elonmusk. “Model S is blazing a new trail for the industry and it will all happen right here – the Tesla Factory gives us plenty of room to grow.” pic.twitter.com/sm95oANDvu
— Eva CyberFox 🦊 (@EvaFoxU) October 31, 2021
© 2021, Eva Fox | Tesmanian. All rights reserved.
_____________________________
We appreciate your readership! Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Article edited by @SmokeyShorts, you can follow him on Twitter
About the Author
Eva Fox
Eva Fox joined Tesmanian in 2019 to cover breaking news as an automotive journalist. The main topics that she covers are clean energy and electric vehicles. As a journalist, Eva is specialized in Tesla and topics related to the work and development of the company.
