Tesla: Scholz and Musk open plant in Grünheide

Tesla boss Elon Musk was in a celebratory mood. Because the US electric car manufacturer Tesla opened its factory in Grünheide near Berlin on Tuesday and handed over the first models “made in Germany” to customers. It is a great day for Tesla and another step towards a sustainable future, said Musk, who has traveled from the USA: “We are very confident that the world can change to a sustainable energy future. With the combination of sun, wind, battery storage and electric vehicles. If you have these three legs of a stool, then you can create a sustainable energy future. As long as the sun shines. And the wind blows.” Germany can be quick, said Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, referring to the record-breaking construction time for the factory. The plant is “a sign of progress and the future of industry” in Germany as a strong location. And an important sign not only for Germany, but for the whole world: “But it is a sign that we have to focus on progress. On the progress that comes with new technologies because it creates new jobs for us. The things that we can already do today will not create prosperity for us in ten, 20 or 50 years. Only things that we are starting anew now. And that is exactly what is happening here. Electromobility will shape the mobility of the future. And that is clear here today.” The world’s fifth major Tesla factory was built in just two years because the company started construction at its own risk before all the permits were in place. In addition to employees and buyers of the first 30 new cars delivered, Tesla fan clubs were also on site. But not everyone was in a celebratory mood. At the opening, which coincides with United Nations World Water Day, environmentalists protested in front of the factory gates. They fear the operation of the factory will make water shortages in the region worse. They also criticize the consumption of resources for the construction of electric cars and call for a concept for a traffic turnaround.