"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."
The local team, which currently includes around 150 people (one third of them coming from Germany) will begin working on the interior of the halls in the first half of 2010, the company said. The factory is projected to start operations in 2011 and employ around 2,000 workers. It will build a brand new model, especially aimed at the North American market, with a production capacity of 150,000 vehicles.
"The Volkswagen brand can look back on a long tradition in the USA. The beginning of construction work on our new plant in Chattanooga marks a new chapter in our joint history," Plant Manager Frank Fischer said. "We believe in our lasting success on the American market. Our strong products and a great team are the best arguments."
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