Tesla's China Factory Is About To Play An Even Bigger Role In Its Global Ambitions
Hong Kong (CNN Business)Tesla (TSLA) began making cars in China about a year ago to bolster its presence in the world's largest auto market. Now the country is about to become an even more critical part of its global strategy.
The electric automaker will soon start exporting Chinese-made vehicles to Europe, Chinese state-run news outlet Xinhua reported Monday.
The company wants to start shipping Model 3 sedans from Shanghai as early as next week to Germany, Italy and Switzerland, among other destinations, according to Xinhua.
Tesla did not respond to a request for comment from CNN Business. But Song Gang, director of manufacturing and operations for Tesla's Shanghai Gigafactory, called the move "an important step in Tesla's global layout," according to Xinhua.
"Exporting to Europe means the quality of made-in-China Model 3 sedans has been recognized by the European market," Xinhua quoted him as saying.
Tesla's move may be temporary, since the company is already building another plant in Europe. It last year announced plans for a new Gigafactory in Berlin, which is expected to be completed sometime in 2021.
- Sep 30, 2020-