Targeting Tesla factories, Turkey and Saudi Arabia tempt Elon Musk with compelling offers

Al-Monitor Pro members

Samuel Wendel

Senior Market Research Analyst, Al-Monitor

Oct. 2, 2023

The Middle East could help fuel Tesla’s global expansion as countries race to become the next destination producing electric vehicles (EVs) for the world’s most valuable automaker. News surfaced in September that Turkey and Saudi Arabia have emerged as contenders to host a new Tesla factory as the company adds to its global manufacturing footprint. Both Ankara and Riyadh are dangling tantalizing incentives to win over Elon Musk and solidify their countries as major EV industry hubs, but plenty of roadblocks could scuttle their bids to secure billions in foreign investment and play a starring role in the global EV race — not least of which is Saudi Arabia’s rocky relationship with Tesla’s CEO, who could potentially select a winner in the coming months.