Tesla 20 years on: EV leader's rise sparked by Toyota partnership

Japanese automaker now turns to Musk's company for production expertise

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In this November 2010 photo, Toyota President Akio Toyoda, right, shakes hands with Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk during a news conference in Tokyo. © Reuters

TAKAFUMI HOTTA, Nikkei staff writer

NEW YORK -- Founded 20 years ago, Tesla's path to becoming the top electric vehicle manufacturer was paved through a 2010 partnership with Toyota.

The tie-up was dissolved several years later, but Tesla, which marked the 20th anniversary of its founding on Saturday, secured its first factory from Toyota as well as mass production know-how. Now, 13 years later, Toyota is turning to Tesla for manufacturing expertise.

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