The Taiwan headquarters of electric carmaker Tesla Inc. were inaugurated Aug. 11 in Taipei City, representing a vote of confidence in the potential of the local market by the U.S.-based outfit.
Situated in Neihu District, the combined administration, education, experience, service and showroom facility is the first of its kind launched by Tesla worldwide. It is expected to play a key role in further fostering the development of Taiwan’s electric vehicle industry.
Shen Jong-chin, deputy minister of economic affairs, said at the inauguration ceremony that EVs are part of the government’s green energy policy. They reduce dependency on petroleum imports and through zero emissions, contribute to slashing the country’s greenhouse gas production, he added.
According to Shen, the ministry is working with Intelligent EV Promotion Office and state-backed Automotive Research and Testing Center to create an environment friendly to electric vehicles in Taiwan. It is anticipated this will help establish a complete supply chain and spur quality job creation, he said.
Taipei City Government’s Department of Economic Development welcomed the official opening of Tesla’s headquarters, describing it as another step forward in municipal efforts to transform Neihu into a demonstration zone for new energy innovation.
Robin Ren, vice president of Tesla Asia-Pacific, said the local government’s enthusiasm for innovative industries is appreciated and augurs well for the EV industry in Taiwan.
Tesla will repay this support by assisting homegrown firms cultivate an EV ecosystem, maintaining investment in supercharger infrastructure and working with the nation’s tertiary education institutions on related talent cultivation, he added. (SFC-E)
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