Automotive News Europe — 2024-05-07
Automotive Industry
German newspaper Handelsblatt reported that Tesla would shut down production at its Berlin plant for four days due to protests against its expansion plans.
Tesla will suspend production at its Gruenheide plant near Berlin on Friday, 10 May 2024, the EV maker confirmed following a newspaper report that said the company was shutting down the factory for four days.
There will be a "one day planned production shutdown" at the plant on 10 May 2024, the factory's manager, André Thierig, said on social media X, formerly Twitter.
No production activity is carried out at the factory on weekends and Thursday, 9 May 2024 is a public holiday in Germany.
German newspaper Handelsblatt reported that Tesla would shut down production at its German plant for four days due to protests against its expansion plans.
Tesla has asked all employees who work at the plant to work from home on Friday, 10 May 2024, according to an email seen by Handelsblatt, that the company sent to employees on Monday, 6 May 2024.
Production will end with the late shift on Wednesday, 8 May 2024 this week and begin again with the night shift on Sunday, 12 May 2024, Handelsblatt reported. Access to the factory will only be possible with manager approval, it added.
Protest rally
Tesla's ambitions to expand its German plant hit a roadblock in February 2024 when citizens voted against a motion to raze trees and make way for a larger site.
Activists have announced several protests against Tesla's expansion for the coming week, including a rally in front of the factory gates on Friday, 10 May 2024.
Tesla's sales in the European Union fell 5% in the first quarter, lagging the battery EV market's 4% growth during the period, according to data from industry association ACEA.