It appears that the city of Salinas is going to get a boost from Green Vehicles, a San Jose electric car manufacturer. Despite being known up until this point primarily for its agricultural development, Salinas is now starting to branch out into additional industries.

The plant is scheduled to open in Salinas sometime at the beginning of 2010. Green Vehicles will take fill the 80,000 square foot facility previously occupied by Firestone Tire and Rubber Co.

I have not yet heard directly from Green Vehicles on the company’s reasons for creating operations in Salinas, however the Salinas Valley’s Enterprise Zone designation most likely played a strong role in the decision making process. With numerous tax benefits supplied by the EZ program, Green Vehicles is sure to be rewarded with state tax savings for their location decision.