Tesla halted production at its German factory Tuesday after power lines supplying the electric carmaker’s only European plant were set on fire in an act of sabotage claimed by a far-left group. Watch in for more details!

Tesla halts German factory production after attack claimed by far-left group

Tesla's production at its German factory came to a standstill on Tuesday after alleged assailants set fire to high-voltage lines in close proximity, causing a power outage at the only Tesla plant in Europe, as confirmed by the company and authorities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tesla-berlin-halts-production-amid-red-sea-disruption-crisis-here-are-the-details-679257" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tesla-berlin-halts-production-amid-red-sea-disruption-crisis-here-are-the-details-679257&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiV_peZgd2EAxVfiK8BHf5cA0Y4ChAWegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ySt5swlRlr3VQE1V0Y-EI" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tesla-berlin-halts-production-amid-red-sea-disruption-crisis-here-are-the-details-679257" target="_blank">Tesla&nbsp;Berlin halts production amid Red Sea disruption crisis.</a>

Emergency services responded to a report of a burning electricity pylon southeast of Berlin in the early hours, located in the factory's vicinity.

Firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze, but the incident resulted in a loss of power not only to the Tesla factory but also to surrounding villages. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, treating it as a suspected case of arson.

While environmental activists opposing the planned expansion of the Tesla factory had recently established a camp near the plant, the police refrained from speculating on any potential connection between the activist group and the fire.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/robot-at-teslas-texas-factory-attacked-engineer-leaving-a-trail-of-blood-report-673845" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/robot-at-teslas-texas-factory-attacked-engineer-leaving-a-trail-of-blood-report-673845&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjMvJ__gN2EAxXE1jgGHWFsAukQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3QDY-OmN7J5GgAUkJXt4B9" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/robot-at-teslas-texas-factory-attacked-engineer-leaving-a-trail-of-blood-report-673845" target="_blank">Robot at&nbsp;Tesla's&nbsp;Texas factory attacks engineer</a>

Michael Stuebgen, the interior minister for Brandenburg state, characterised the incident as a "perfidious attack on our electricity infrastructure" and emphasised the severe consequences on the affected population.

Stuebgen underlined the commitment to address such acts of sabotage with the utmost severity but urged against premature speculation regarding responsibility.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/elon-musks-tesla-to-set-up-first-indian-manufacturing-plant-in-gujarat-674748" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/elon-musks-tesla-to-set-up-first-indian-manufacturing-plant-in-gujarat-674748&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjMvJ__gN2EAxXE1jgGHWFsAukQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1GbzvW0YU0CYujaoUxmk0v" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/elon-musks-tesla-to-set-up-first-indian-manufacturing-plant-in-gujarat-674748" target="_blank">Elon Musk's&nbsp;Tesla&nbsp;to set up first Indian manufacturing plant</a>

In response to the situation, Tesla assured that the production facilities were in a safe state post the shutdown and employees were released from work.

The company, however, expressed uncertainty about the timeline for resuming production.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tesla's production at its German factory came to a standstill on Tuesday after alleged assailants set fire to high-voltage lines in close proximity, causing a power outage at the only Tesla plant in Europe, as confirmed by the company and authorities.

Tesla's production at its German factory came to a standstill on Tuesday after alleged assailants set fire to high-voltage lines in close proximity, causing a power outage at the only Tesla plant in Europe, as confirmed by the company and authorities. Also read: Tesla Berlin halts production amid Red Sea disruption crisis. Emergency services responded to a report of a burning electricity pylon southeast of Berlin in the early hours, located in the factory's vicinity. Firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze, but the incident resulted in a loss of power not only to the Tesla factory but also to surrounding villages. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, treating it as a suspected case of arson. While environmental activists opposing the planned expansion of the Tesla factory had recently established a camp near the plant, the police refrained from speculating on any potential connection between the activist group and the fire. Also read: Robot at Tesla's Texas factory attacks engineer Michael Stuebgen, the interior minister for Brandenburg state, characterised the incident as a "perfidious attack on our electricity infrastructure" and emphasised the severe consequences on the affected population. Stuebgen underlined the commitment to address such acts of sabotage with the utmost severity but urged against premature speculation regarding responsibility. Also read: Elon Musk's Tesla to set up first Indian manufacturing plant In response to the situation, Tesla assured that the production facilities were in a safe state post the shutdown and employees were released from work. The company, however, expressed uncertainty about the timeline for resuming production. (With inputs from agencies)

Production halts at Tesla's German plant following suspected arson attack

Over four years after first displaying the futuristic-looking Cybertruck, Elon Musk-led Tesla on Thursday (Nov 30) published the prices for the electric vehicle and began the deliveries. The Cybertruck will be starting at $60,990 for the lowest cost variant which is significantly more than what Musk had advertised in 2019 at around $40,000.

During the keynote, he drove a Cybertruck onto the stage amid cheers from the crowd before handing the keys to about a dozen customers at the event in Austin, Texas.&nbsp;

According to the Tesla website, the Cybertruck's highest variant named Cyberbeast, an all-wheel drive version would be sold for estimated starting prices of about $100,000 and $80,000. These will be available next year.

While the rear-wheel drive Cybertruck has an estimated range of 250 miles and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, the all-wheel drive&nbsp;has an estimated 340-mile range, and can go from 0 to 60 in 4.1 seconds. It&nbsp;has a top speed of 112 mph, 600 horsepower, and a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds.

Musk took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to post a video of Cybertruck going up against Porsche 911 whilst ferrying a Porsche 911 to display the power of the car. He also congratulated the Tesla team for making the deliveries possible.&nbsp;

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Massive congrats to the incredible Tesla team, from design through to manufacturing, for making Cybertruck real! I love you.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1730342317993701521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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According to Musk, Tesla is expected to reach a production rate of approximately&nbsp;250,000 Cybertrucks a year in 2025.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/man-uses-wood-to-construct-a-fully-working-tesla-cybertruck-grabs-elon-musks-attention-663617">Watch |&nbsp;Man uses wood to construct a fully working tesla cybertruck, grabs Elon Musk's attention</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2>Musk tempers expectations&nbsp;</h2>

The car, radically different in its design, has arrived at the production line&nbsp;a little more than two years late. Since first launching the car, Musk has also tempered his expectations, saying it would take a year to 18 months to make the vehicle a significant cash flow contributor.&nbsp;

"We dug our own grave with Cybertruck," Musk said during an earnings call in October.&nbsp;

"This is simply normal when you’ve got a product with a lot of new technology, or for any new vehicle program but especially for one that is as different and advanced as the Cybertruck, you will have problems proportionate to how many new things you’re trying to solve at scale."

The truck is made of shiny stainless steel, shaped into flat planes with few, if any, curves. Musk has said it is partly inspired by a car-turned-submarine in the 1977 James Bond movie "The Spy Who Loved Me.".

The powerful car has already drawn more than a million reservation holders who have put down $100 as deposits.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Over four years after first displaying the futuristic-looking Cybertruck, Elon Musk-led Tesla on Thursday (Nov 30) published the prices for the electric vehicle and began the deliveries.

Over four years after first displaying the futuristic-looking Cybertruck, Elon Musk-led Tesla on Thursday (Nov 30) published the prices for the electric vehicle and began the deliveries. The Cybertruck will be starting at $60,990 for the lowest cost variant which is significantly more than what Musk had advertised in 2019 at around $40,000. During the keynote, he drove a Cybertruck onto the stage amid cheers from the crowd before handing the keys to about a dozen customers at the event in Austin, Texas. According to the Tesla website, the Cybertruck's highest variant named Cyberbeast, an all-wheel drive version would be sold for estimated starting prices of about $100,000 and $80,000. These will be available next year. While the rear-wheel drive Cybertruck has an estimated range of 250 miles and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, the all-wheel drive has an estimated 340-mile range, and can go from 0 to 60 in 4.1 seconds. It has a top speed of 112 mph, 600 horsepower, and a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds. Musk took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to post a video of Cybertruck going up against Porsche 911 whilst ferrying a Porsche 911 to display the power of the car. He also congratulated the Tesla team for making the deliveries possible. Massive congrats to the incredible Tesla team, from design through to manufacturing, for making Cybertruck real! I love you. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 30, 2023 × According to Musk, Tesla is expected to reach a production rate of approximately 250,000 Cybertrucks a year in 2025. Watch | Man uses wood to construct a fully working tesla cybertruck, grabs Elon Musk's attention × Musk tempers expectations The car, radically different in its design, has arrived at the production line a little more than two years late. Since first launching the car, Musk has also tempered his expectations, saying it would take a year to 18 months to make the vehicle a significant cash flow contributor. "We dug our own grave with Cybertruck," Musk said during an earnings call in October. "This is simply normal when you’ve got a product with a lot of new technology, or for any new vehicle program but especially for one that is as different and advanced as the Cybertruck, you will have problems proportionate to how many new things you’re trying to solve at scale." The truck is made of shiny stainless steel, shaped into flat planes with few, if any, curves. Musk has said it is partly inspired by a car-turned-submarine in the 1977 James Bond movie "The Spy Who Loved Me.". The powerful car has already drawn more than a million reservation holders who have put down $100 as deposits. (With inputs from agencies)

Tesla begins Cybertruck delivery, price starts from $60,990. Know more

Tesla, the world's most valuable automaker registered a 40 per cent year-on-year growth in terms of deliveries in 2022, according to the Q4 vehicle production and delivery report published on Monday.

Tesla, the world's most valuable automaker registered a 40 per cent year-on-year growth in terms of deliveries in 2022, according to the Q4 vehicle production and delivery report published on Monday. Despite the impressive numbers, Tesla’s new vehicle deliveries fell short of Wall Street expectations. Tesla produced a total of 439,701 cars in Q4 while managing to deliver 405,278. Comparatively, Tesla only delivered 308,600 vehicles in the same period last year. The production was increased after Tesla opened up the conveyor belt at its new Austin, Texas and Brandenburg, Germany plant. Overall, Tesla's annual production stood at 1.37 million in 2022 where it managed to deliver 1.31 million cars. Last year, the full-year deliveries stood at 936,172 vehicles. While the numbers are a booster shot of confidence for the Tesla board, it still fell short of the expectations of Wall Street which predicted a sale of 420,000-430,000 vehicles in Q4. The logistical troubles meant that Tesla's deliveries in the quarter fell about 34,000 short of production. It also fell short of the ambitious goal set by Musk of expanding deliveries by 50 per cent annually. While Tesla's stock plunged 65 per cent in 2022, its worst performance since being listed in 2010, CEO Elon Musk urged the employees to not be “bothered” by the “stock market craziness". WATCH | Gravitas: Tesla's worst year on the stock market × According to Musk's e-mail to his staff ahead of the busy holiday season, the Tesla boss asked employees to 'volunteer' to deliver as many cars as possible to the customers before the year came to a draw to pump the numbers up. "Since we have a lot of cars arriving at the last minute, it is important to rally hard and do everything we can to get our cars to customers who have ordered them before midnight on December 31," wrote Musk in the mail. "Please go all out for the next few days and volunteer to help deliver if at all possible. It will make a real difference!" Financial pundits are of the view that Musk's takeover of Twitter and the controversy surrounding it has negatively impacted the stock pricing of Tesla. Musk hasn't helped the cause by routinely pulling off his Tesla stocks. Read more: Tesla's Wall Street fortunes plummet by two-third since Elon Musk's Twitter takeover Other factors for the slump include increasing competition from traditional automakers like Ford Motors, General Motors and up-and-coming startups such as Lucid Group and Rivian Automotive. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Tesla delivers record number of cars in Q4 but falls short of Wall Street expectations

Elon Musk-led Tesla was knocked out of a key US stock index's top 10 companies on Tuesday after its shares plummeted 11 per cent in just one session.&nbsp;

Tuesday was Tesla's seventh day on a losing streak, its longest since 2018.&nbsp;

Why are Tesla's shares nosediving?

Elon Musk's decision to halt production at Tesla's Shanghai factory and reports of reduced output at its key production units are being cited as immediate reasons for Tesla's nosediving shares.&nbsp;

ALSO READ -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-automaker-tesla-suspends-production-in-shanghai-after-an-internal-notice-say-sources-546359">US automaker Tesla suspends production in Shanghai after an internal notice</a>

Furthermore, reports that Tesla was offering individuals in the United States a $7500 discount for its two highest-volume models didn't impress Tesla investors in addition to the signs of slowing demand.&nbsp;

Musk's Twitter takeover and Tesla's plummeting fortunes

At the end of 2022, Tesla's 69 per cent value has vanished amid Elon Musk's Twitter takeover. Reports say that Musk's related online antics have created jitters among investors.&nbsp;

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But there remains an optimism as far as Tesla's innovation curve in concerned.&nbsp;

"Despite the stock's performance, Tesla's innovation curve appears to be accelerating, a stark contrast to other large tech companies whose incremental product updates appear stagnant at best," Bloomberg reported, citing Canaccord Genuity analyst George Gianarikas' note last week.&nbsp;

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Elon Musk-led Tesla was knocked out of a key US stock index's top 10 companies on Tuesday after its shares plummeted 11 per cent in just one session. Tuesday was Tesla's seventh day on a losing streak, its longest since 2018.

Elon Musk-led Tesla was knocked out of a key US stock index's top 10 companies on Tuesday after its shares plummeted 11 per cent in just one session. Tuesday was Tesla's seventh day on a losing streak, its longest since 2018. Why are Tesla's shares nosediving? Elon Musk's decision to halt production at Tesla's Shanghai factory and reports of reduced output at its key production units are being cited as immediate reasons for Tesla's nosediving shares. ALSO READ - US automaker Tesla suspends production in Shanghai after an internal notice Furthermore, reports that Tesla was offering individuals in the United States a $7500 discount for its two highest-volume models didn't impress Tesla investors in addition to the signs of slowing demand. Musk's Twitter takeover and Tesla's plummeting fortunes At the end of 2022, Tesla's 69 per cent value has vanished amid Elon Musk's Twitter takeover. Reports say that Musk's related online antics have created jitters among investors. WATCH - WION Business News: Tesla to orders to recall over million US cars; to fix issues with software × But there remains an optimism as far as Tesla's innovation curve in concerned. "Despite the stock's performance, Tesla's innovation curve appears to be accelerating, a stark contrast to other large tech companies whose incremental product updates appear stagnant at best," Bloomberg reported, citing Canaccord Genuity analyst George Gianarikas' note last week. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tesla's Wall Street fortunes plummet by two-third since Elon Musk's Twitter takeover

Tesla&nbsp;Inc said on Tuesday it will remove ultrasonic sensors from its vehicles starting this month, as it moves ahead with using only cameras in its safety and driver-assistant features.

Tesla&nbsp;vehicles now have 12 ultrasonic sensors on the front and rear bumpers, and short-range sound sensors are mainly used in parking applications and to detect close objects.

"It'll save them a few dollars. I mean those things are pretty cheap," Guidehouse Insights analyst Sam Abuelsamid said, referring to ultrasonic sensors. "It will also save them some chips."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musks-tesla-ai-will-be-smarter-than-humans-by-2033-study-517735">By 2033, Elon Musk's Tesla and its AI will be smarter than humans: Study</a>

Tesla&nbsp;last year started dropping radar sensors amid a chip shortage.

Chief Executive Elon Musk has said&nbsp;Tesla&nbsp;can achieve full autonomy with cameras only, but he has missed his targets to roll out self-driving taxis which require no drivers.

The automaker faces growing regulatory, legal and public scrutiny over its autopilot system following crashes.

Tesla&nbsp;said it will remove ultrasonic sensors from the Model 3 and Model Y globally over the next few months, followed by the Model S and Model X in 2023.

The transition will temporarily limit automated parking features, but not affect crash safety ratings,&nbsp;Tesla&nbsp;noted.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/musk-previews-humanoid-robot-optimus-at-ai-day-event-at-tesla-office-521383">Elon Musk shows off prototype of Tesla’s humanoid robot Optimus</a>

"It remains to be seen whether this will be 'two steps forward and one step backward' or the other way around," said Raj Rajkumar, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.

While self-driving tech firms and automakers use multiple sensors like expensive lidars,&nbsp; Tesla&nbsp;relies only on cameras and artificial intelligence to help a vehicle recognize the environment.

"The question is how well the cameras can see nearby the car, which sometimes can be limited," said Professor Philip Koopman of Carnegie Mellon University.

A widely followed&nbsp;Tesla&nbsp;researcher known only as "Green" on Twitter tweeted on Tuesday that ultrasonic sensors are also used in Autopilot as a "fail-safe" feature for changing lanes.

"Impact on safety of autopilot is likely small. Now impact of safety of manual parking on the other hand might be big," he said, adding that parking chimes help people avoid hitting walls and other obstacles.

&nbsp;

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Tesla Inc said on Tuesday it will remove ultrasonic sensors from its vehicles starting this month, as it moves ahead with using only cameras in its safety and driver-assistant features.

Tesla Inc said on Tuesday it will remove ultrasonic sensors from its vehicles starting this month, as it moves ahead with using only cameras in its safety and driver-assistant features. Tesla vehicles now have 12 ultrasonic sensors on the front and rear bumpers, and short-range sound sensors are mainly used in parking applications and to detect close objects. "It'll save them a few dollars. I mean those things are pretty cheap," Guidehouse Insights analyst Sam Abuelsamid said, referring to ultrasonic sensors. "It will also save them some chips." Also Read | By 2033, Elon Musk's Tesla and its AI will be smarter than humans: Study Tesla last year started dropping radar sensors amid a chip shortage. Chief Executive Elon Musk has said Tesla can achieve full autonomy with cameras only, but he has missed his targets to roll out self-driving taxis which require no drivers. The automaker faces growing regulatory, legal and public scrutiny over its autopilot system following crashes. Tesla said it will remove ultrasonic sensors from the Model 3 and Model Y globally over the next few months, followed by the Model S and Model X in 2023. The transition will temporarily limit automated parking features, but not affect crash safety ratings, Tesla noted. Also Read | Elon Musk shows off prototype of Tesla’s humanoid robot Optimus "It remains to be seen whether this will be 'two steps forward and one step backward' or the other way around," said Raj Rajkumar, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. While self-driving tech firms and automakers use multiple sensors like expensive lidars, Tesla relies only on cameras and artificial intelligence to help a vehicle recognize the environment. "The question is how well the cameras can see nearby the car, which sometimes can be limited," said Professor Philip Koopman of Carnegie Mellon University. A widely followed Tesla researcher known only as "Green" on Twitter tweeted on Tuesday that ultrasonic sensors are also used in Autopilot as a "fail-safe" feature for changing lanes. "Impact on safety of autopilot is likely small. Now impact of safety of manual parking on the other hand might be big," he said, adding that parking chimes help people avoid hitting walls and other obstacles.

Amid autopilot scrutiny, Tesla to remove vehicle sensors, will rely on cameras

After a series of administrative delays, US electric car pioneer Tesla is on the verge of receiving the go-ahead from German authorities on Friday to begin production at its "giga-factory" outside Berlin.

Officials in the eastern state of Brandenburg, where the factory is located, look set to confirm their approval at a press conference in Potsdam at 3:30 pm (1430 GMT), according to local reports.&nbsp;

The plant, in Grueneheide, to the southeast of Berlin, is slated to produce 500,000 vehicles a year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/please-use-with-caution-elon-musk-warns-that-starlink-can-be-targeted-by-russia-advises-caution-458726">'Please use with caution': Elon Musk warns that starlink can be 'targeted' by Russia, advises caution</a>

Announced with much fanfare in November 2019, the project was warmly received by politicians in a country proud of its car-making tradition.

Elon Musk's Tesla benefited from an expedited preliminary approval process, allowing it to begin construction before receiving the final planning permission.

But the American manufacturer's early momentum was broken by a series of legal and administrative difficulties, in part prompted by angry locals with concerns over the environmental impact of the site.

Protected lizards

Together with national NGOs Nabu and Gruene Liga, residents did everything to stand in the way of the project, organising protests, making court appeals and writing open letters.&nbsp;

In 2020, courts ordered Tesla to stop work at the site after a complaint by local associations fearing the destruction of the habitat of endangered lizards and snakes.&nbsp;

The plant's massive demand for water was also a sore point for residents in an area that has been hit by summer droughts in the last three years.

On Friday, judges could also hand down a decision in a case brought against the local administration, which plans to pump out more water to use at the plant.

Under pressure from environmentalists, authorities were careful to examine the case closely, delaying the arrival of planning permission.

Setbacks also gave Tesla the opportunity to amend its application, adding a massive yet-to-be-built battery plant next to the main factory.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-cdc-guidelines-say-that-more-than-90-of-us-population-doesnt-need-masks-anymore-458822">&nbsp;New CDC guidelines say that more than 90% of US population doesn't need masks anymore</a>

Concerns over the build were dismissed by Tesla's rockstar CEO Musk, who sought to win over locals by hosting a country fair on the factory grounds in October.

Thousands were in attendance at the event, where Musk declared his intention to begin production in November or December of this year.

The earlier target may have been achieved were it not for the extension of a public consultation deadline from mid-October to the end of November due to an administrative error.

"Seriously??!!" was the tweet Musk sent in response to the new delay, having already voiced his frustration at Germany's slow bureaucratic processes on several occasions.&nbsp;

Works council

Had approval for the plant not been given, the costs for dismantling the work that had been done would have fallen on Tesla.&nbsp;

Production at the factory should begin almost immediately with Tesla having already made a "limited" number of vehicles in a test, a spokesman told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-invasion-elon-musk-activates-starlink-internet-service-after-request-from-an-official-457100">Ukraine invasion: Elon Musk activates Starlink internet service after request from an official</a>

Tesla's next challenge is to find workers, while businesses in Germany are contending with shortages of skilled labour.&nbsp;

What employees there are at the factory have seen to the organisation of a works council, against the American carmaker's protestations.

The shop-floor organisation is common to German industries, and hands workers a degree of influence over corporate decision-making.

Elections to the works council, which took place at the end of February, were nonetheless won by representatives of "Gigavoice", which is closer to management.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine Conflict: Decoding Thursday's biggest developments

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Currently, between 2,500 and 3,000 people work at the plant, according to union sources, primarily more senior members of staff.

In time, the figure should rise to 12,000, according to local press reports, a figure which has not been confirmed by Tesla.

After a series of administrative delays, US electric car pioneer Tesla is on the verge of receiving the go-ahead from German authorities on Friday to begin production at its "giga-factory" outside Berlin.

After a series of administrative delays, US electric car pioneer Tesla is on the verge of receiving the go-ahead from German authorities on Friday to begin production at its "giga-factory" outside Berlin. Officials in the eastern state of Brandenburg, where the factory is located, look set to confirm their approval at a press conference in Potsdam at 3:30 pm (1430 GMT), according to local reports. The plant, in Grueneheide, to the southeast of Berlin, is slated to produce 500,000 vehicles a year. Also read | 'Please use with caution': Elon Musk warns that starlink can be 'targeted' by Russia, advises caution Announced with much fanfare in November 2019, the project was warmly received by politicians in a country proud of its car-making tradition. Elon Musk's Tesla benefited from an expedited preliminary approval process, allowing it to begin construction before receiving the final planning permission. But the American manufacturer's early momentum was broken by a series of legal and administrative difficulties, in part prompted by angry locals with concerns over the environmental impact of the site. Protected lizards Together with national NGOs Nabu and Gruene Liga, residents did everything to stand in the way of the project, organising protests, making court appeals and writing open letters. In 2020, courts ordered Tesla to stop work at the site after a complaint by local associations fearing the destruction of the habitat of endangered lizards and snakes. The plant's massive demand for water was also a sore point for residents in an area that has been hit by summer droughts in the last three years. On Friday, judges could also hand down a decision in a case brought against the local administration, which plans to pump out more water to use at the plant. Under pressure from environmentalists, authorities were careful to examine the case closely, delaying the arrival of planning permission. Setbacks also gave Tesla the opportunity to amend its application, adding a massive yet-to-be-built battery plant next to the main factory. Also read | New CDC guidelines say that more than 90% of US population doesn't need masks anymore Concerns over the build were dismissed by Tesla's rockstar CEO Musk, who sought to win over locals by hosting a country fair on the factory grounds in October. Thousands were in attendance at the event, where Musk declared his intention to begin production in November or December of this year. The earlier target may have been achieved were it not for the extension of a public consultation deadline from mid-October to the end of November due to an administrative error. "Seriously??!!" was the tweet Musk sent in response to the new delay, having already voiced his frustration at Germany's slow bureaucratic processes on several occasions. Works council Had approval for the plant not been given, the costs for dismantling the work that had been done would have fallen on Tesla. Production at the factory should begin almost immediately with Tesla having already made a "limited" number of vehicles in a test, a spokesman told AFP. Also read | Ukraine invasion: Elon Musk activates Starlink internet service after request from an official Tesla's next challenge is to find workers, while businesses in Germany are contending with shortages of skilled labour. What employees there are at the factory have seen to the organisation of a works council, against the American carmaker's protestations. The shop-floor organisation is common to German industries, and hands workers a degree of influence over corporate decision-making. Elections to the works council, which took place at the end of February, were nonetheless won by representatives of "Gigavoice", which is closer to management. Watch | Gravitas: Ukraine Conflict: Decoding Thursday's biggest developments Currently, between 2,500 and 3,000 people work at the plant, according to union sources, primarily more senior members of staff. In time, the figure should rise to 12,000, according to local press reports, a figure which has not been confirmed by Tesla.

Amid environmental concerns, Tesla awaits green light to start production at German plant

The electric vehicle market leader Tesla has announced that it has opened a new dealership in Urumqi, which is the capital of Xinjiang in China. American activists are appealing to Tesla to cease what they call economic support for genocide.

Tesla inc opens new showroom in China's Xinjiang region

The US&nbsp;auto safety agency said on Monday that it will collect information about an accident in which a Tesla vehicle crashed into a tractor-trailer in New Jersey.

The Tesla driver, a 44-year-old, said he had his cruise control on “when he momentarily lost focus on the roadway” and drove his car under the trailer on Monday morning, according to a statement from the South Brunswick Township Police Department.

“The impact was so severe it shredded the roof off the passenger’s side of the vehicle.”

The Tesla was destroyed in the crash, but the driver received minor injuries.

NHTSA is aware of the Tesla crash on March 29 in New Jersey. We have contacted Tesla and local law enforcement regarding this crash and will act accordingly when we have more information,” a representative of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a statement to Reuters.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comments.

The NHTSA said earlier this month that it had opened 27 investigations into crashes of Tesla vehicles, 23 of which remain active, and at least three of the crashes occurred in recent weeks.

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The US auto safety agency said on Monday that it will collect information about an accident in which a Tesla vehicle crashed into a tractor-trailer in New Jersey.

The US auto safety agency said on Monday that it will collect information about an accident in which a Tesla vehicle crashed into a tractor-trailer in New Jersey. The Tesla driver, a 44-year-old, said he had his cruise control on “when he momentarily lost focus on the roadway” and drove his car under the trailer on Monday morning, according to a statement from the South Brunswick Township Police Department. “The impact was so severe it shredded the roof off the passenger’s side of the vehicle.” The Tesla was destroyed in the crash, but the driver received minor injuries. NHTSA is aware of the Tesla crash on March 29 in New Jersey. We have contacted Tesla and local law enforcement regarding this crash and will act accordingly when we have more information,” a representative of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a statement to Reuters. Tesla did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comments. The NHTSA said earlier this month that it had opened 27 investigations into crashes of Tesla vehicles, 23 of which remain active, and at least three of the crashes occurred in recent weeks.

US safety agency says it will gather information on Tesla-truck crash in New Jersey