In a bid to boost Turkey's electric vehicle industry, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended a formal invitation to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, urging him to consider establishing a Tesla factory in Turkey.
The invitation came during a meeting at the Turkish House, a prominent skyscraper near the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Erdogan's proposal to Musk underscores Turkey's growing interest in electric vehicles and sustainable transportation solutions. While Tesla has not yet officially responded to the invitation, this move aligns with the company's global expansion strategy.
The Turkish President's outreach to Musk occurred as Erdogan embarked on his visit to the United States to participate in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss the potential benefits of a Tesla factory in Turkey, which could not only bolster the country's automotive industry but also contribute to the development of electric vehicle technology.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk is set to engage in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in California on Monday, with a focus on the advancement of artificial intelligence technology. This meeting underscores Musk's commitment to pioneering innovations in various sectors.
Tesla's interest in expanding its manufacturing presence worldwide has been evident in recent months. In August, the electric carmaker expressed its intention to establish a factory in India dedicated to producing affordable electric vehicles. Currently operating six factories globally, with a seventh under construction in Mexico, Tesla's pursuit of new manufacturing locations demonstrates its dedication to furthering its global reach.
Musk had previously indicated that a decision regarding the location of a new factory would likely be made by the end of this year. Tesla's remarkable success is evident in its soaring stock prices, which have risen by an impressive 123% this year. The company also celebrated a significant milestone by producing its 5 millionth car.
In a separate venture, aside from his role at Tesla, Musk acquired X, formerly known as Twitter, for a staggering $44 billion in 2022. This acquisition marked Musk's foray into the realm of social media.
