Summary
- German Minister values Elon Musk and Tesla’s Gigafactory in Brandenburg
- Minister has disagreements with Musk and Trump, but still values Musk as an investor, entrepreneur, and innovator
- Predicts that Musk may retreat from supporting Trump due to conflicts on climate protection
- Germany’s automotive industry struggling with EV transition, but Tesla could have a positive impact
- Workers from struggling companies in the industry could find opportunities at Tesla’s Grünheide plant
Article
German Minister Jörg Steinbach recently shared insights about his political disagreements with Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump in an interview with Tagesspiegel. Despite disagreeing with Trump’s victory and arguing with Musk, Steinbach still values Musk as an investor, entrepreneur, and innovator.
Steinbach revealed that he had been in regular contact with Musk, engaging in lengthy text message exchanges leading up to the election. However, he made it clear that he would not congratulate Musk on a Trump victory, believing that Trump’s presidency is problematic and autocratic.
The Minister also expressed concerns about bureaucracy in Germany but believes that Musk will eventually retreat from his support for Trump due to conflicting views on issues like climate protection. He predicts that Musk may struggle with administrative and political rules in the U.S. and notes that Tesla’s Giga Berlin is just one of many Gigafactories around the world.
In terms of Germany’s automotive industry and Tesla’s role in the EV transition, Steinbach highlighted struggles faced by traditional automakers like Volkswagen and the importance of electrification. He commended Tesla for its economic influence in the country, stating that workers affected by the transition to EVs could potentially find opportunities at Tesla’s Grünheide plant.
Despite challenges in the automotive industry, Steinbach sees a silver lining and believes that companies should follow Volvo’s example in transitioning from internal combustion engines to EVs. He acknowledges that some companies may disappear but remains optimistic about the future of sustainable transportation in Germany, with Tesla continuing to play a significant role.
Overall, Steinbach’s comments reflect a complex relationship between politics, business, and sustainability. While he may clash with figures like Musk and Trump on certain issues, he recognizes the importance of innovation and investment in the transition towards a more sustainable future. Tesla’s presence in Germany and its potential for growth could have a positive impact on the country’s economy and environmental efforts.
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