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FRANKFURT (Reuters) – Tesla could get state subsidies in its plan to set up a gigafactory in Germany, the country’s economy minister told a weekly newspaper.<\/p>\n
“In my conversations with (Tesla CEO) Elon Musk I have always made clear that there are no privileges but also no discrimination,” Peter Altmaier told Welt am Sonntag in an interview.<\/p>\n
The German government has earmarked financial support for making electric car battery cells locally as a way to secure manufacturing jobs as tougher emissions rules threaten demand for older technologies, like diesel engines.<\/p>\n
Altmaier said in order to qualify for state subsidies companies needed to fulfill certain requirements in the areas of sustainability and battery efficiency.<\/p>\n
“Also, Germany has to be more than an extended workbench. There needs to be research and development, too. All companies that fulfill these criteria have a chance to be supported – including Tesla.”<\/p>\n
Tesla in November announced it would build its first European factory and design center near Berlin, adding the new plant would make batteries, powertrains and cars – starting with the Model Y sports utility vehicle.<\/p>\n
(Reporting by Christoph Steitz; Editing by Ros Russell)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n