"Local Opposition Thwarts Tesla's German Factory Expansion Plans"
Residents in the German town of Grünheide voted overwhelmingly against Tesla's plan to expand its only assembly plant in Europe, dealing a blow to the U.S. automaker and local supporters. The nonbinding vote saw 65% of citizens rejecting Tesla's proposal to clear 250 acres of forest near its plant to build a rail yard, warehouses, and a day care center. While the local officials have pledged to honor the vote and seek an acceptable solution, the factory's presence has divided the town, with some celebrating the economic growth it has brought and others expressing concerns about its impact on their quality of life and the environment.