Tesla will build factory in Shanghai

BEIJING — Electric-car producer Tesla will build its first factory outside the United States in Shanghai, becoming the first wholly foreign-owned automaker in China. Tesla Inc.’s announcement comes amid mounting U.S.Chinese tension over technology and follows Beijing’s April promise to end restrictions that required foreign automakers to work through local partners. Tesla said construction would begin in the near future, once official permits are obtained. It said production would begin two to three years after that and eventually increase to 500,000 vehicles annually.

Tesla said it also would set up a research and development facility in Shanghai.