Tesla opens ‘Gigafactory’ near Berlin – its first in Europe

Tesla cars are parked at the construction site of the new Tesla Gigafactory for electric cars in Gruenheide near Berlin (AP)

Electric car manufacturer Tesla is opening its first European factory on the outskirts of Berlin in an effort to challenge German automakers on their home turf.

The company said its new “Gigafactory” will employ 12,000 people and produce 500,000 vehicles a year.