Volkswagen begins construction of new plant in Chattanooga
Published:19-May-2009
By Staff Reporter
The Volkswagen Group has begun the construction of new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Production at the new Chattanooga plant is expected to begin in 2011 with a maximum annual capacity of 150,000 vehicles. The Volkswagen Group of America will invest $1 billion in the plant and employ 2,000 people.
As a result of this investment, the company anticipates that the plant will generate an additional $12 billion in income growth and more than 9,500 indirect jobs over the life of the project.
According to the company, the Chattanooga factory will build a new mid-size sedan specially designed for the North American market. Approximately 30% of these cars will be powered by Volkswagen's TDI clean diesel technology.
Frank Fischer, chairman and CEO of America Chattanooga Operations of Volkswagen Group, said: "This is a big day in our company’s history. Today, we are putting down new roots in the United States of America. And we are entering a long-term partnership with this community, this state and this country."
Jochem Heizmann, member of the board of management of Volkswagen, said: "Our new plant in Chattanooga sends a clear and strong message for Volkswagen, for the automotive industry and for the State of Tennessee. The United States is a great car nation and we believe in a promising future for Volkswagen here."
