It seems LA is to electric vehicle companies as San Francisco is to solar companies. “We are proud to welcome CODA to Los Angeles — the city that creates and innovates,” said Mayor Villaraigosa. “We see CODA’s move as a boost to our growing clean technology industry in LA and we are thrilled they chose to locate in our City.”CODA Holdings, a leading developer of all-electric vehicles and advanced battery systems, just recently held the grand opening celebration of its 100,000 square foot global headquarters, R&D Division and Processing Center in the heart of Los Angeles. In addition, the City has named the road adjoining joining CODA’s headquarters “Electric Drive” to honor of CODA’s core technology. “We chose to place the global headquarters in Los Angeles not only because it is one of the most significant early markets for the deployment of electric vehicles, but because elected officials and business leaders have demonstrated their commitment to fostering a successful local cleantech industry,” said Phil Murtaugh, CEO, CODA Holdings. “We are excited about the many jobs we’ve already created for the area and look forward to many more as we expand and bring to market our all-electric sedan and energy storage products.” Just recently Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa welcomed BYD who opened their North American headquarters in downtown Los Angeles.
You Got A Fast Car – Tracy Chapman
CODA’s Executive Chairman, Mac Heller and CEO, Phil Murtaugh, Governor Jerry Brown, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa,Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-47), Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti, Councilman Herb Wesson and California Air Resources Board Chairman Mary Nichols were on hand to mark the occasion. Assemblywoman Betsy Butler (D-50), and representatives for Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and State Senator Curren Price (D-26) were in attendance. “Dynamic innovation is a key building block of California’s 21st century economy,” said California Governor Jerry Brown. “Car companies like CODA are investing in California because our laws encourage electric cars and recognize the paramount importance of reducing oil dependency.”
CODA is currently the fastest-growing company in Los Angeles, with a 275% job increase year to date and an expected 300% growth by the end of this year. With 220 engineers, technicians and corporate staff at its global headquarters, CODA is located on South Fairfax Avenue, adjacent to Interstate 10. Over the next year, CODA anticipates adding an additional 100 employees at the location, growing to 650 in the following years. The company supports further jobs at a facility in Benicia, CA where its vehicles undergo final assembly.