B.A.T. Plant in Mexico to Make Electric Cars

Burbank-based B.A.T. International said Monday it is moving its headquarters to San Diego and leasing a plant in Mexico to produce electric vehicles.

B.A.T. President Joseph LaStella said the firm’s first-year goal is to produce 1,000 electric vehicles that will offer the speed of an internal combustion engine while emitting zero pollution. The initial production run will focus on delivering vehicles for North America, Latin America and the Caribbean markets.

The 40,000-square-foot plant in Otay Mesa will be owned jointly by B.A.T. and Detech. Corp. of Canada. LaStella said it was necessary to move the headquarters, with 12 full-time employees, to be closer to the plant.