[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Elon Musk, CEO of the American electric vehicle company Tesla, received a warm welcome from local residents at the German factory.
On the 9th (local time), according to Bloomberg News and others, CEO Musk visited the Gigafactory in Gr?nheide, on the outskirts of Berlin, Germany, and stated, "We may start producing the Model Y at this factory as early as November or December."
He said, "Starting production is good, but mass production is a difficult task," and set a goal to begin mass production of 5,000 to 10,000 units per week by the end of next year.
Tesla's German factory operation has been delayed by several months from the original plan. Environmental groups and local residents raised over 800 complaints to the Brandenburg state authorities, concerned about environmental impacts such as water pollution, causing setbacks.
Operation of the factory is not possible until the online consultation deadline for the complaints on October 14. Tesla expects the state environmental department to give final approval for factory operation after the deadline on the 14th.
CEO Musk emphasized efforts to alleviate environmental concerns, saying, "The Tesla factory will use relatively little water." He also promised that the battery factory to be built near the automobile factory will produce in a sustainable manner.
He said, "Securing workforce to work at the German factory is an important issue," and urged, "We ask talents from all over Europe to apply."
CEO Musk's visit on this day coincided with a Gigafactory tour and festival held for local residents and others. According to foreign media, about 9,000 visitors enjoying factory tours and Model Y test drives cheered when Musk appeared.
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