Its origins are more than a bit confusing but the Qiantu K50 by Mullen is a Chinese electric car, which is set to arrive in the US next year. We spoke to representatives from Mullen Technologies, a California-based company that is helping to bring the Chinese car stateside, at the 2019 New York Auto Show. Mullen revealed that the car would be built in the US but it didn't specify where saying it would announce the details at a later time. Well, now we know.

According to The Spokesman Review, Mullen signed a letter of intent with the West Plains Public Development Authority in Spokane, Washington to build and lease a 1.3 million square foot factory and R&D facility. In the letter, Mullen says it will add 863 jobs within seven years with 55 jobs being offered initially. Mullen even expressed interest in developing its own lightweight lithium batteries, which would add an additional 3,000 jobs.

"We are looking forward to working with the West Plains PDA to bring strong wage-earning jobs to the Spokane region," David Michery, CEO of Mullen Technologies, said. "[The] PDA and Mullen are working very closely as we introduce the Qiantu K50 all-electric sports car to the US market, along with emerging battery cell technology."

"We are very excited about the letter of intent with Mullen," said Larry Krauter, CEO of the Spokane International Airport and PDA board chairman. "This is exciting news because when you are talking about auto manufacturing, you are talking about good paying jobs coming to the West Plains. These are advanced manufacturing positions that will raise the standard of living for everybody."

Mullen will likely be building its cars somewhere else temporarily because the first phase of this new factory won't be complete until 2021. Either way, Qiantu is about to make major waves as the first Chinese car on sale in the US.