NEW YORK, Feb 9, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - US President Joe Biden, who has not
publicly referred to Tesla when talking about electric vehicles since taking
office, finally did so Tuesday after the carmaker's head Elon Musk complained
about the lack of attention.

   The White House has indicated a preference for traditional manufacturers
employing unionized workers, and Musk has made his feelings about that
proclivity known.

   "For reasons unknown, @potus is unable to say the word 'Tesla,'" he wrote,
tagging the official account of the President of the United States, the
latest of several tweets targeting Biden.

   The president finally mentioned Tesla at an event announcing the creation
of an electric vehicle charging station factory in Tennessee.

   Referring to the companies that had invested in factories in recent months
in the United States, he first mentioned "iconic companies," like GM and Ford
and their new electric vehicle production, but then cited "Tesla, our
nation's largest electric vehicle manufacturer."

   Musk replied to a tweet noting the comment with a smiling sunglasses
emoji.