Electric car maker Tesla plans to enter South America by leasing a new facility in Chile and registering its name, according to public documents.
Tesla Chile was registered and published in the official gazette on September 28 and covers “the import, export, production, marketing, distribution and sale of vehicles, especially electric vehicles.”
It also registered other business activities like power and electricity generation and supply.
Although Tesla is registered with its headquarters in Santiago, Chile, the registration leaves open the option for “branches or agents established in other cities in the country or abroad.”
This is Tesla’s first direct commercial operation in South America.
Elon Musk-owned Tesla also began hiring days ago for positions such as general manager, sales consultants and service technicians.
A job posting for a general manager in Chile said the company was looking for someone “to play a fundamental role in shaping our corporate image while accelerating the transition to sustainable energy.”
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Chile has one of the world’s largest lithium reserves and earlier this year announced plans to transfer the country’s lithium supply into state hands.
China’s BYD, one of the largest electric car makers, announced earlier this year that it would open a $290 million battery component factory in Chile.
