In all likelihood, Tesla could open a new Gigafactory in Europe. The latter could come and settle, not in France, but rather near our transalpine neighbors.
For several months now, Tesla has been considering expanding its European factory located near Berlin. However, local residents have recently expressed their (symbolic) opinion concerning the extension, which would affect a vast neighboring forest, and this is the “ No » who won.
Tesla: failing to expand Berlin, an installation in Italy?
At the same time, Adolfo Urso, Italian Minister of Economic Development, recently confirmed that he had been in discussions for several months with the manufacturer, with a view to installing a new assembly plant in the territory.
Even if the Italian government is in favor of a certain form of industrial protectionism, the arrival of the American manufacturer on FIAT’s native lands would not be excluded. Currently, as far as Italian electric cars are concerned, only the small FIAT 500e is produced in Turin.
Italy favorable to Tesla, but also to BYD?
While waiting to (perhaps) bring back the production of other Italian electric models to their native land, the government does not rule out the possibility of letting other major players in the market set up. In addition to the American Tesla, Italy could also allow Chinese players to set up in the country, starting with BYD.
“ Interested manufacturers are car manufacturers who, for the moment, do not produce in Europe, but who are looking at our market with interest », says Adolfo Urso. The latter also specifies that it remains imperative to protect the internal market from competition with commercial measures, “ like the United States does “.
For Tesla, an expansion of its activity in Europe could allow it to increase its production (particularly with regard to the Model Y), while repatriating certain models, which could then benefit from the new ecological bonus put in place at the start of year. To be continued.
Source : Electrek
3