FRANKFURT — The deliberate opening of Tesla’s first gigafactory in Europe later this 12 months will power native trade to step up its recreation, Volkswagen Group CEO Herbert Diess mentioned.

Diess’ feedback, made on Twitter, come as Tesla continues work on its plant in Gruenheide, close to Berlin, because it awaits ultimate constructing approval for the 5.8 billion euro ($6.8 billion) web site.

“Effectivity is vital for the transformation of our trade/Germany. Tesla develops in shorter processes, works nearer with the most effective within the trade and takes extra threat,” mentioned Diess, who’s a identified admirer of the electrical automobile pioneer led by Elon Musk.

Volkswagen goals to overhaul Tesla because the world’s prime vendor of electrical vehicles by 2025, a declare that’s underscored by an formidable plan to construct six giant battery factories in Europe by 2030.

“Gruenheide will improve competitors in Germany — additionally with Wolfsburg,” Diess mentioned.

Tesla is internet hosting a public tour of the Gruenheide plant on Oct. 9, days earlier than the ultimate session for objections to its building closes. Musk has confirmed he’ll attend the occasion, dubbed the “Giga-fest,” in individual.