Art Wheaton, senior extension associate in workforce, industry and economic development in Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, comments on Toyota’s $50 million investment in Tesla Motors.
He says: “The long-term viability of a Tesla plant is almost entirely dependent on legislation to force people to drive zero-emission vehicles or force a percentage sale on auto makers. This news should also give Toyota some positive marketing and advertising for being environmentally friendly as it faces media criticism of recalls and unintended acceleration lawsuits. With some good luck and environmental legislation to support zero-emissions vehicles, Tesla could be successful for decades to come.”