Tesla appears to be preparing for tours at Giga Berlin
Tesla's Giga Berlin factory is ready to be shown off to the world, marking a defining moment for the company in Europe. The factory, which recently welcomed a visit from Maye Musk, mother of Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, is making significant progress. To share its progress and innovation with the public, Tesla seeks a Content and Programs Associate to create and lead engaging and informative factory tour experiences at Gigafactory Berlin.
VIP Tours Like Maye Musk?
The job posting for the Content and Programs Associate comes after a recent visit by Maye Musk, who shared her experience on social media, including photos of her evening out in Berlin in a beautiful Midnight Cherry Red Tesla Model Y.
The role will primarily focus on factory tours, interacting with various stakeholders within and outside the company, and assisting the work of the Content and Programs Team on-site in Berlin. The successful candidate will manage tour requests and bookings, present compelling content to a broad audience, plan and execute events, and interact with public and internal stakeholders.
Possible Return to Tours in US
Tesla used to offer factory tours at their Fremont factory in California but suspended the tradition in 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, with the recent developments at Giga Berlin and the new job posting, the company may be gearing up to restart factory tours, possibly for both Tesla owners and the general public. The tours used to be available at no cost to any Tesla owners. The company provided hour-long tours from Monday to Friday. Owners had the chance to view the factory from an electric cart.
Fun fact, in the book Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future, Musk told author Ashlee Vance he was considering installing a rollercoaster-type ride inside the factory to make it easier to get around.
The new role comes at an exciting time for Tesla's European operations. Unfortunately, we can only view the operation from the sky with views from YouTubers. However, Tesla's Giga Berlin is ramping up quickly, and the Content and Programs Associate will be able to share the company with the public.
With the success of the factory tours in California, it's exciting to see the company gear up to provide a similar experience for the public in Europe and help write the next chapter of Tesla's success story.
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest Tesla news, upcoming features and software updates.
Tesla has finally launched a tow package for the refreshed 2024+ Model 3 in North America. While Tesla offered the tow package in the European and Asia-Pacific markets, this is the first time it has been made available in North America.
Until today, owners have had to use third-party hitch options, which do not support Tesla Tow Mode support or other features and can void your warranty.
Tow Package
The new package includes a high-strength steel tow bar, with the standard 2” receiver and 7-pin connector. As the package enables Tow Mode, the full trailer harness is also part of the installation.
As per Tesla’s specifications, this hitch supports towing up to 2,200 lbs (998kg), which is lower than the Model Y, Model S, and Model X, whose hitch supports up to 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg). You’ll need a 2” hitch and a ball of your choice to get towing with this new receiver, which neatly tucks away underneath a panel that’s accessible via two plastic bolts, similar to the rest of Tesla’s lineup.
The tow package neatly tucks away when not in use.
Not a Tesla App
You can purchase the Model 3 Tow Package for $1,300 USD or $1765 CAD on the Tesla store or through your Tesla app. Installation is included in the price, and the parts are shipped directly to your local Tesla service center, where they’ll be installed. However, delivery can take one to two weeks.
As a note, this package is only compatible with the 2024+ Model 3 RWD and AWD. The Performance model is not compatible, likely due to the larger rear motor's size.
Installation
The total package price also includes shipping to your local Tesla Service Center. In addition, Tesla will enable the config changes that will allow you to use Tow Mode. The entire process takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the scope of work, as some Model 3s will require additional harness wiring.
It’s nice to see Tesla finally adding this much-missed feature to the North American Model 3, as many customers have had to use third-party solutions up to this point. Now, anyone can tow light loads with the refreshed Model 3 while also keeping their vehicle under warranty and taking advantage of Tow Mode.
Tesla has partnered with XPEL, one of the leading manufacturers of automotive tints, for an OEM-approved window tint. Previously, Tesla did not approve window tints on its vehicles and had even denied warranty claims for window issues if the windows were tinted.
Over the past year, Tesla Service has stopped denying warranty claims for cracked windows caused by excessive motor force, factory misalignments, or other minor issues — even when window tints are applied.
XPEL / Tesla Partnership
With this partnership, Tesla owners can find window tints directly through the Tesla app, just like they’d find any other Tesla accessory. The difference is that the purchase is completed on XPEL’s website instead of through the Tesla app.
Tesla is essentially promoting the service and presumably making it an approved product. However, the Tesla owner also benefits from having a better warranty instead of just going through XPEL directly.
XPEL offers two official tints for all Tesla vehicles, including the Cybertruck - its Prime XR+ and Prime XR lines. The best part is that XPEL and Tesla’s combined warranty covers the cost of reinstallation if the glass is damaged under Tesla’s vehicle warranty, which means you won’t have to pay anything additional to get your tint replaced.
You can check out the official specifications of the two tint options below.
Prime XR +
Prime XR
Infrared Heat Rejection
Up to 96%
Up to 85%
UV Protection
Blocks 99% of Harmful UV Rays
Blocks 99% of Harmful UV Rays
Glare Reduction
Up to 95% Glare Reduction
Up to 95% Glare Reduction
Technology
Dual-Layer Nano Ceramic
Single-Layer Nano Ceramic
Vehicle tints, like the ones XPEL offers, have numerous advantages. They reduce cabin heat, block UV rays, minimize glare from external light sources, and increase privacy.
The order is placed through XPEL’s website, and then you will be referred to your local installer. They will conduct the installation, and then you’re set and ready to go - no payment is needed from the installer. The process takes between 1-2 business days, including time for the tint to fully set on the glass. This reduces the chance of the window tint peeling prematurely from your frameless window, which automatically lowers and raises when you open and close the door.
For now, this service is only available in the United States, and you can get referred to an XPEL official installer through the button on XPEL’s Partner website here. You can select the shade/tint percentage of your window film on the installation date.
Of note, windshield tinting is not available through the partnership program, but XPEL advises that your local installer can provide you with an additional quote on the day of installation.