Locating GF1 in US hasn't helped reduce FUD here
True, although it could be material that Fremont in in California and GF-1 in Nevada, GF-2 in New York.
From a political perspective TSLA has not located where political support might be material. Grand Rapids does have some techies. One might assume that further locations might well be chosen with political acumen analogous to that deployed in China.
TSLA has matured to the point that political factors now must be a factor considered in geographical dispersion of employment and investment.
Were I advising Tesla I'd certainly be examining such issues. Excluding Shanghai, until now the considerations were, it appears, almost entirely based on net cost of setup. There were some superb choices so far. Frankly it is difficult to argue against deals like Fremont and Buffalo, and Sparks had some powerful features also. For none of the three was competitive FUD a factor, nor has it been for Shanghai.
For GF-4 the story is very different. EU countries are mostly fragile politically, and in/close to recession. German auto companies are threatened. EU emissions mandates are making German business near panic. Tesla can have a positive force as it appears to be having in China.
FWIW, It is probably opportune to think of GF-5 in the US Midwest. Some cooperative deals with other vehicle manufacturers could have positive results too.
Do any of us seriously think that more than one of the ICE giants would not welcome cooperation?
After all, people, SpaceX has not been nearly so confrontational as many assume it to have been. NASA and DOD have been visibly frustrated with the consequences of which Eisenhower warned, the "military-industrial complex". The traditional auto companies, oil companies, public utilities and dealer groups have not been so unconditionally pleasant from a political view. Until now there has been no alternative.
I do not advocate a pollyannish view, but I do suggest there is plentiful resentment of the high-handed demands from autos, oil, gas and their cohorts.
It is time to make certain that self-centered politicians begin to understand their self-interest aligned with renewables while diminishing reliance on fossil fuel.
This, and TSLA, can only thrive when teh public discourse can be changed in much of the world, a few politicians at a time.
