As of: March 1, 2024, 5:20 p.m
By: Patrick Freiwah
Comments
Press
Split
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni with Elon Musk in Rome: Italy is toying with Tesla setting up shop (symbolic image).
© IMAGO/Us Palazzo Chigi/Filippo Attili
The relationship between Tesla and Grünheide is tense.
Italy could be a beneficiary of the protests against the factory expansion - and is ensnaring the car manufacturer.
Grünheide/Rome - Tesla has been a significant employer in the Brandenburg region since March 2022.
However, the US car manufacturer has been criticized by the public since before the factory opened - be it with regard to environmental violations or adverse working conditions.
Recently there have been protests against the planned expansion of the site, for which, according to information, over 100 hectares of forest would have to be cleared.
80 to 100 activists have settled in the adjacent area and are apparently preparing for a longer protest.
Previously, a survey among the population ended with the result that the majority spoke out against the planned Tesla expansion in Grünheide.
Tesla in Grünheide: Italy could be the beneficiary
After the no vote in the citizen survey, Italy is now hoping that the American company will settle: Economics Minister Adolfo Urso pointed out to the Industry Committee of the Chamber of Deputies in the capital Rome that the plan for a large-scale expansion in Germany had been rejected.
“This will certainly lead to a decision by the company,” explained the politician.
They have been in discussions with Tesla for several months.
“We get very positive feedback.
But this is a process that requires caution.” So can Italy now capitalize and lure Tesla to the Apennine country?
Grünheide: Residents skeptical: Is Tesla setting up shop in Italy?
The electric car pioneer wants to build a freight station, warehouses and a company daycare center on an area of around 170 hectares in Grünheide.
The expansion is related to Tesla wanting to double production, from 500,000 electric cars annually to one million.
However, two thirds of residents voted against the expansion.
Although the vote is not binding for the community, it is seen as an important pointer.
Will Italy actually benefit from the situation in Grünheide and experience an upswing through the establishment of a second car company alongside Stellantis (including Fiat)?
Tesla could build another factory there to produce another 500,000 electric vehicles.
Italy is flirting with Tesla and Chinese car giants
In addition to the talks with Tesla, the Italian government is also open to investments by Chinese manufacturers.
Economics Minister Urso stated that he was also in talks with three car companies from China.
A few days ago, BYD also stated that it had been contacted by the management in Rome about the possibility of building a production facility in Italy.
My news
Traffic light plans for pensions are presented: Read what we know about Pension Package II
Over 600 euros more: Read criticism of record diet increase for MPs
“Overreaching”: President of the Social Court is tough on the court reading with citizens’ money
Auto supplier from southern Germany is insolvent: 5,000 jobs at risk
Traditional company has to close and lays off all employees
Taxpayers fork out 23.3 million euros per month for citizen's money rents
The first BYD plant is currently being built in Hungary, with production scheduled to begin in 2027.
(PF with material from AFP and dpa)