New Model Y now available for purchase, Customs issues arise, Electronic record-keeping predicted by VDA, Musk extends warm greetings
In the world of electric vehicles (EVs), Germany is making significant strides, with domestic production expected to reach a record 1.7 million units this year, including plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). This increase represents a 24 percent jump from the previous year, according to the German VDA association.
The German VDA association also predicts a 75 percent increase in the sale of electric cars this year, with plug-in hybrids seeing an 8 percent increase compared to 2024. One of the key contributors to this growth is expected to be Tesla's Gigafactory in Brandenburg, which is set to boost production by around 40 percent to 287,000 electric vehicles this year. The factory will primarily produce the Model Y for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
However, it's important to note that there is no confirmed legal investigation regarding Elon Musk's gesture at the German Tesla Gigafactory, as reported in some media outlets. The primary focus on the factory has been on labor relations, with reports of intense work pressure, high sick leave rates, and Tesla’s anti-union stance.
Elsewhere, the public prosecutor's office in Germany is investigating possible use of unconstitutional organization symbols related to the activist groups' projection at the Tesla factory. Two activist groups projected images of Musk's salute and the word "Heil" onto the facade of the factory, advising against the purchase of the brand's electric cars.
In a separate development, seven new electric car models priced below 25,000 euros are expected to enter the market, a price point not yet reached by Tesla. This could potentially shake up the EV market in Germany.
The European automotive industry is also expected to reach a 24 percent electric car share by 2025, a 10 percentage point increase from the previous year, according to the environmental organization Transport & Environment.
Finally, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, made headlines when he appeared via video link at the AfD's election campaign kickoff in Halle, expressing pride in his German citizenship and urging the audience to leave focus on the past behind. His appearance, however, did not seem to have a direct impact on Tesla’s sales in Germany, according to the available data.
[1] Source: Various online news articles and reports.
- The German VDA association forecasts a 75 percent increase in the sale of electric cars this year, with plug-in hybrids seeing an 8 percent increase compared to 2024, attributing the growth partly to Tesla's Gigafactory in Brandenburg.
- One of the key contributors to this growth is expected to be Tesla's Gigafactory in Brandenburg, which is set to boost production by around 40 percent to 287,000 electric vehicles this year, primarily producing the Model Y for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
- However, concerns around labor relations persist at the factory, with reports of intense work pressure, high sick leave rates, and Tesla’s anti-union stance.
- In a separate investigation, the public prosecutor's office in Germany is investigating possible use of unconstitutional organization symbols related to activist groups' projection at the Tesla factory.
- Seven new electric car models priced below 25,000 euros are expected to enter the market, a price point not yet reached by Tesla, potentially disrupting the EV market in Germany.
