Tesla Inc.’s controversial decision to reopen its Fremont, California production facility defies Alameda County’s orders. The electric vehicle maker has had its main facility in Fremont closed since March. Leadership is eager to return to work. It doesn’t help that the company experienced similar production hurdles in Shanghai earlier in the year due to coronavirus as well. With construction halted on Tesla’s Gigafactory in Berlin, Germany hampering progress as well, the decision to return to work in California demonstrates the company’s tenacity.
In any case, Tesla’s decision to reopen received support on Twitter today from the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. Trump tweeted to support the action saying, “California should let Tesla & @elonmusk open the plant, NOW. It can be done Fast & Safely!”
Coronavirus shelter at home orders vary by individual state and county at this point in the outbreak. California Gavin Newsom announced some relaxed orders in the state. However, Alameda County holds a strict policy for non-essential businesses. Tesla fails to align with the county’s guidelines. In a dramatic statement earlier in the week, Elon Musk tweeted, “Tesla is restarting production today against Alameda County rules. I will be on the line with everyone else. If anyone is arrested, I ask that it only be me.”
