Tesla has broken ground for its first factory outside the United States.<br />It's going to be based in Shanghai.<br />The U.S. automotive and energy company's successful push into China comes despite simmering trade tensions between the two economic superpowers. <br />Kim Hyo-sun tells us more. <br />Tesla's seven billion dollar-factory in Shanghai is the American auto firm's first plant outside of the U.S., and will be the company's most advanced gigafactory in the world. <br /> <br />"We are actually very excited and optimistic that we can set a new Tesla record for construction and make a beautiful, sustainable factory that is our most advanced Tesla gigafactory in the world, and do so in the fastest period of time that we've ever built a gigafactory because of the great resources and capabilities in Shanghai."<br /><br />The factory will be partially put into operation in the second half of this year,... with an annual production capacity for 250-thousand electric cars. <br />Once fully operational,... it's expected to manufacture half-a-million vehicles every year,... with integrated functions of R&D, manufacturing and sales. <br />The gigafactory will produce cars not only for the Chinese market but also for the broader Asian market. <br />Tesla becomes the first company to benefit from China's new policy of enabling foreign automakers to set up wholly-owned subsidiaries within the country. <br /><br />"We hope you can get a firm foothold and expand the market. We hope your company can become an in-depth participant of China's opening and a promotor of the stability of China-U.S. relations." <br /><br />Despite the trade friction between Washington and Beijing, the tensions did not negatively affect the expansion of corporate investment by an American company in China. <br />Kim Hyo-sun, Arirang News. <br />
