Elon Musk opens controversial Tesla factory near Berlin

Electric car maker Tesla is set to open his first European factory in the coming weeks. The company has thrown a party to unveil its new plant just outside Berlin. But it's not without controversy.Environmental concerns mean its

construction has not yet
been given final approval.
But that hasn't deterred
Tesla founder Elon Musk.

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Nobody could accuse Elon Musk of being
short on ambition or showmanship,

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for that matter, and his plans for the new
Tesla factory just outside Berlin.

Characteristically big, very welcome.

We're expecting to have on the order
of twelve0 jobs, maybe more.

[00:00:40]
In fact, I'm little worried we won't
be able to hire enough people.
So we really kind of need great talent
to come here from around Europe.

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A fairground atmosphere prevailed
in the factory forecourt,
drawing in curious visitors and Musk
fans from Berlin and further afield.

Some had cubed since early in the morning
to get a sneak peek behind the scenes.

Temperatures close to freezing
couldn't dampen their enthusiasm.

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Emea and Eno were among the thousands
who made the pilgrimage.

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I'm excited because it's the first time
since a couple of months I wasn't here.

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And last time I was here,
it was just a clear field without

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some trees.

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And now the factory is here.

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The factory aims to deliver up to half

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a million electric cars a year
to the European market.

Musk says the first cars should roll off
the assembly line in just two months time.
But for many, Tesla is more
than just a car maker. It's a complete concept
for a high tech, green future.

We
are part of the owner's club,
the Tesla Owners Club program.

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So there's a huge following,

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huge number of these people that actually
bought the cars, but they actually bought into more than the car's
division of the company itself.
Despite the hype, the project has
encountered stiff opposition.

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The plant is nearly finished,

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but Tesla was never officially
granted a construction permit.

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Some are angry that the factory lies
in a protected water catchment.

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German authorities are still examining
objections when the follow is on.

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For another or demand that the factory
be dismantled has not changed.

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It sits in the middle of a water
protection area,

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a huge breach of law and a danger
to the main water source for 700 people.
These 60,000 mention Pasor.

Elon Musk is not concerned
about the criticism.

In Halting German.

He thanked his adoring fans and urged them
to join the party

ranges are party is Troy visionary,
pioneer, savvy,

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businessman or just another eccentric
billion near Elon Musk has polarized

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the world with his unorthodox
style and ambitious ventures.

The new Tesla factory outside
Berlin is no exception.