In light of the success of Tesla’s Grünheide factory in Germany throughout 2025, the company is now looking ahead to 2026 with optimism and plans for further growth. Plant manager André Thierig recently confirmed to the Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA) that despite challenging market conditions, Giga Berlin saw steady quarterly increases and implemented no layoffs or shutdowns.
Giga Berlin’s Steady Progress
Thierig reported that Giga Berlin’s production increased in every quarter of 2025 as planned, providing a positive outlook for the new year. The factory currently serves over 30 markets, with Canada being a recent addition due to cost advantages. Expansion efforts at Giga Berlin are ongoing, with the first partial approval for capacity growth secured and preparations for a second partial approval underway. However, decisions regarding further production capacity will ultimately depend on Tesla’s US leadership.
Throughout the year, Giga Berlin also made infrastructure updates, including the relocation of the Fangschleuse train station and the construction of a new road. Tesla is set to commence battery cell production in Germany starting in 2027, with a target of up to 8 GWh annually.
Resilience Amid Market Challenges
Despite a 48% decline in German registrations, Tesla managed to maintain stability at Giga Berlin. Thierig emphasized the importance of job security at the facility, noting that they were able to secure jobs and avoid production shutdowns or layoffs experienced by other industrial sites in Germany.
Thierig also praised the German government’s plans to support households, particularly those with low and middle incomes, in the purchase and leasing of electric vehicles in 2026. He stressed the need for swift implementation of these initiatives to provide clarity for consumers.
Currently, Giga Berlin employs approximately 11,000 workers and produces about 5,000 Model Y vehicles per week, including the Model Y Premium variants, Model Y Standard, and Model Y Performance models. The facility’s resilience and growth in the face of challenges demonstrate Tesla’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and innovation.