France is the place

Le Maire says France is the place to be for Tesla

Paris has ‘good hopes’ on where Elon Musk will decide to make a potential substantial investment, economy minister says.

BY GIOVANNA FAGGIONATO

French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire is optimistic about a possible Tesla investment in France as the country competes with other European nations over a potential substantial investment linked to electric vehicles.

"We have good hopes" on what billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk will decide, Le Maire said in an interview on the TF1 TV channel. "There are several options on the table," he said.

“I think we have brought together all the conditions to be the most attractive country for capital and we have radically transformed the economic image of France in the world," the minister said. "France is the place to be for foreign investors."

Tesla's owner is expected to announce a new battery plant by the end of the year and France has been strongly courting him. French President Emmanuel Macron met with Musk on two occasions in June and May.

One of the hurdles France has, Le Maire said, is being able "to offer viable land with rail or sea outlet to transport energy infrastructure assets with sufficient power.”