VW Receives 65,000 Job Applications for Chattanooga

Volkswagen's new plant in Chattanooga is surely causing some buzz in the United States as the company claims it has received around 65,000 applications for jobs at the factory. The Chattanooga Times Free Press writes that approximately 35,000 people were interested in production roles at the plant, in spite of the fact that Volkswagen will only employ 1,200 workers for this particular position.

Additionally, 30,000 people submitted requests for employment in the professional and skill maintenance areas, with only 800 positions available.

Volkswagen will announce the name of the first employees in spring 2010 but the process will last until 2011 when the factory will officially open its doors. According to the aforementioned source, workers will be paid with $14.50 per hour.

Volkswagen's plant is Chattanooga is projected to start operations in 2011 and will employ around 2,000 workers. The factory will be responsible for manufacturing a brand new model, especially designed for the North American market, with a production goal of 150,000 vehicles per year.

"The United States is one of the most important markets of the future for the Volkswagen Group. Our goal is to participate in the anticipated recovery on the US auto market and to achieve significant growth," Prof. Dr. Jochem Heizmann, Member of the Board of Volkswagen AG with responsibility for 'Group Production', explained.

"We are creating the framework for this by building our new plant in Chattanooga, a core element of our strategy in the North America region," Heizmann said. "Our highly attractive and environmentally friendly range of vehicles forms the basis of our present achievements – worldwide and in the USA. Our technology leadership combined with local production are the pillars for a successful future for the Volkswagen Group in the USA."