The only Tesla car factory in Europe is located in Grünheide in Brandenburg. In a citizen survey, residents rejected the planned expansion. The company reacts.
After the no vote in the citizen survey in Grünheide near Berlin, the US electric car manufacturer Tesla is fundamentally sticking to expanding the factory site, but is relying on cooperation. “We see that the citizens of Grünheide have concerns in connection with the planned expansion of the area,” the company announced on Wednesday.
“We are still convinced that the logistical optimization of the plant is a great benefit for the community. Based on the feedback from the last few weeks, we will coordinate further steps with everyone involved.” It is now up to the municipality to decide on the development plan procedure. The goal is still to shift a lot of truck traffic to rail and to generally expand the infrastructure around the factory.
Tesla’s expansion plans for the car factory were largely rejected by the citizens of Grünheide. After the votes were counted on Tuesday evening, almost two thirds voted against the plans. The local council still has to approve the development plan. The residents’ vote is not binding for them, but is considered an important signal.
Tesla wants to build a freight yard, warehouses and a company kindergarten on around 170 hectares next to the factory site. To achieve this, more than 100 hectares of forest will be cleared.
Source: Stern
