Panasonic says 'it's up to Tesla' to pick Gigafactory or China batteries

After Nevada struggles, Japanese company won't follow Musk to Shanghai

20191122 Panasonic CEO Tsuga

Panasonic President Kazuhiro Tsuga updates reporters on the company's plans in Tokyo on Nov. 22.

Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- If Tesla wants a local supply of batteries for its new electric vehicle plant in Shanghai, the U.S. automaker will have to rely on Chinese manufacturers, the head of Panasonic told reporters on Friday.

Panasonic, hitherto the sole supplier of batteries to tycoon Elon Musk's company, has "no plans to produce auto batteries in China," President Kazuhiro Tsuga said.

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