Tesla Motors says decision on site for electric car factory is close, could be days away

Tesla Motors close to picking site for new factory

NEW YORK — Electric car manufacturer Tesla Motors is close to selecting a site for its new assembly plant, saying a decision could come in a matter of days.

The Los Angeles suburb of Downey has been trying to attract the carmaker. The town is finalizing a lease deal that would set aside property for a Tesla plant. The nearby city of Long Beach is also bidding to attract the plant.

The San Carlos, Calif.-based company has been scouting for a site to build its forthcoming Model S electric car, which is scheduled to go on sale in 2012. It currently builds only the $109,000 Roadster electric sports car.

Tesla announced plans in January to hold a public offering of stock, though it has yet to say when.

Associated Press Writer Daisy Nguyen contributed to this report from Los Angeles.