Tesla has advanced its plans to establish a regional hub in Providence, Rhode Island, by securing a vital second-hand auto license.
The Providence Board of Licenses granted the approval on Thursday, allowing the company to engage in the buying and selling of used vehicles, among other related activities as detailed on the board’s website.
Brandi Varlaro, Tesla’s general manager, indicated to the licensing board that the Providence hub aims to commence operations in the first week of February, pending the finalization of all necessary licenses.
The regional hub project, to be located at the former Stop & Shop in Mashpaug Commons Plaza, was first unveiled last July by Paolino Properties, the entity managing the construction. The Tesla facility, encompassing 76,000 square feet, will feature a repair shop and a selection of vehicles for purchase.
According to Varlaro, the new location will initially focus on new car sales, with the addition of used car sales anticipated later in the year.
Former Providence Mayor and Managing Director of Paolino Properties, Joseph Paolino Jr., has touted the hub as one of the largest for Tesla in Southern New England, expecting to generate 30 full-time positions. Job listings for the Providence hub are already available on Tesla’s website.
Varlaro also shared the proposed operational hours with the board, stating that the hub would serve customers for sales and deliveries from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Sunday, and for service from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
This development marks Tesla’s continued expansion in Rhode Island, following the opening of a sales showroom in Warwick back in 2019, reports WPRI. The Providence location is set to become the company’s second facility in the state, enhancing Tesla’s presence in the New England region.
