German Tesla Factory Manager Responds to Critics, Accusing Them of an “Anti-Tesla Campaign”
Plant Manager Andre Thierig has strongly responded to a recent report about Tesla’s Gigafactory in Grünheide, Germany. In a letter and LinkedIn post, he criticized the report, stating that it contained false information and was part of an “anti-Tesla campaign” against the company.
Indeed, a report in the German newspaper Handelsblatt claimed that Tesla’s factory in Brandenburg, near Berlin, was producing far fewer electric cars than its capacity. The report also stated that factory expansion plans are currently on hold. It also raised questions about Tesla’s position ahead of the upcoming works council elections.
However, Plant Manager Andre Thierig categorically rejected these claims, stating that the report was not properly researched and that many of the figures were misleading. The report stated that approximately 149,000 Model Y vehicles were produced last year, but according to Thierig, more than 700,000 Model Y cars have been built at the Grünheide factory since production began in 2022.
He also stated that in 2025, the company produced more than 200,000 units of its mid-size SUV, the Model Y. Although production was temporarily halted at the beginning of the year for the new-generation model, production was subsequently rapidly increased to approximately 5,000 units per week.
The report described the factory as being in crisis and accused the company of making false claims about increased production. Responding to this, Thierig stated that production increased every quarter in 2025 and that plans are in place to increase it further in the coming quarters.
Tesla’s Commitment to Germany
Thierig also stated that the Model Y has been the world’s best-selling car for the past three years and that the “Giga Berlin” plant has played a key role in this success. He believes that this factory supplies cars to more than half of the global market.
He also questioned the 0.74% profit margin reported in the Handelsblatt report, saying it was difficult to understand the basis on which the newspaper arrived at this figure.
He also emphasized Tesla’s investments. According to Thierig, the company has invested more than 5 billion euros in Grünheide since 2020 and has created approximately 11,000 permanent jobs, with above-average salaries.
Blames the Union and the Media
The plant manager alleged that the report was an attempt to create an atmosphere against Tesla. He said that the newspaper has been creating a negative atmosphere around Tesla for some time and appears to be working in favor of the German union IG Metall.
According to him, such reports may be aimed at creating fear and uncertainty among employees and influencing the works council elections.
Investment in battery production will also increase
Thierig stated that Tesla is investing approximately 100 million euros in battery cell production in Grünheide, which will create hundreds of new jobs. He said that very few car factories in Germany can boast this level of vertical integration.
Thus, Tesla management states that the company is not only strengthening its presence in Germany but is also investing heavily in the future of electric mobility.
