- Musk criticizes plant arson attack
- Activists claim environmental damage
- Production halt costs millions
Elon Musk described as “dumb” the alleged arson assault that halted production at Tesla’s Berlin assembly plant.
According to a far-left activist organization, the site was targeted due to its substantial utilization of resources and labor.
The automotive manufacturer predicts that production will not recommence until the following week, at a cost in the “high nine-figure euro range.”
The proposed expansion of Tesla’s German manufacturing facility two-fold is met with opposition from certain environmentalists.
Regarding the targeting of the website, Mr. Musk used the German phrase “extreme dummy” (meaning “extremely stupid”) in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
He wrote that these eco-terrorists are either the most naive on the planet or the instruments of those with questionable environmental intentions.
Activists identifying themselves as the Volcano Group claimed in an online letter that they had obstructed production.
A fire that broke out near the plant on an electrical pole caused power disruptions in the factory and neighboring communities.
Tesla reported that although employees were sent home, the structure remained in a “safe state.”
While the fire did not extend to the factory of the electric vehicle manufacturer, it did consume a high-voltage cable and an electricity pylon.
The Volcano Group claimed in its letter of responsibility for the attack that it sabotaged Tesla because the endeavor consumed labor and resources.
Additionally, Tesla was accused of groundwater contamination and massive quantities of potable water consumption.
State police have stated that the letter is presently under investigation.
“The rule of law will respond with the utmost severity to such an act of sabotage,” stated Brandenburg state interior minister Michael Stuebgen following Tuesday morning’s attack.
Protectable expansion
Certain environmentalists express discontent with the proposed Berlin expansion due to the anticipated felling of adjacent trees.
Approximately one hundred individuals are camped in the forest adjacent to the factory. These ecological activists, nevertheless, have distanced themselves from the events that have transpired.
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One organization, Robin Wood, stated that it had “nothing to do with the fire.”
Presently, the Tesla assembly plant produces an estimated 500,000 vehicles annually; the corporation owned by Elon Musk aims to increase that figure by twofold.
As of next week, production is not anticipated to resume, as stated by plant manager Andre Thierig.
He further stated that the cost of the power disruption, which resulted from the damage to both power lines entering the facility, would be “in the high nine-figure Euro range.”
