Macron Wants Tesla to Build a Gigafactory in France
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France Seeks Tesla’s Gigafactory as Macron Meets Musk
According to the country’s digital minister, France is actively pursuing Tesla, led by Elon Musk, to establish its next gigafactory. This announcement comes as French President Emmanuel Macron prepares for his second meeting with Musk in just over a month.
Government officials have disclosed that France has been courting Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD and Tesla to build manufacturing plants within its borders. CNBC reported Jean-Noel Barrot, the digital minister, expressing enthusiasm for a Tesla factory in France. Barrot emphasized the considerable effort and dedication invested in ensuring this opportunity becomes a reality.
Barrot further stated that France had made substantial investments in the electric battery sector, underscoring the country’s commitment to becoming the ideal location in Europe for Tesla’s next gigafactory. The French government intends to persuade Elon Musk that France offers unparalleled advantages for Tesla’s expansion plans.
Elon Musk met with President Macron and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire on May 15, expressing confidence in Tesla’s future investments in France. However, he refrained from specifying a timeline for such endeavors. In light of this, President Macron announced his plan to meet with Musk again on Friday, demonstrating France’s earnestness in enticing the renowned electric vehicle manufacturer.
NEWS: France wants Tesla to build gigafactory in country.
"It will be great to have a Tesla factory in France. There has been a lot of effort and energy to make sure this is possible and this can happen," Jean-Noel Barrot said.https://t.co/xmzELq4oV4
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) June 14, 2023
France had previously convinced Musk to establish a European gigafactory within its borders. However, Musk ultimately opted for Germany as the location for Tesla’s only current European plant.
With France’s renewed push to attract Tesla, the country aims to solidify its position as a key player in the growing electric vehicle industry. Establishing a gigafactory in France would create job opportunities and bolster the nation’s status as a hub for clean and sustainable technology.
As President Macron and Elon Musk convene once more, the outcome of their meeting will be highly anticipated, with the potential to shape the future of Tesla’s expansion plans in Europe. If France successfully persuaded Musk, it would mark a significant milestone in the country’s quest for sustainable economic growth and technological innovation.
