Volkswagen to make electric cars in Asia

CEO Herbert Diess announced the Chattanooga decision during the motor show in Detroit. “The US is one of the most important locations for us and producing electric cars in Chattanooga is a key part of our growth strategy in North America,” said Dr. Herbert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen AG. “We are committed to continuing to increase our market share in the coming years,” he adds.

 

Eight MEB plants by 2022

By expanding its production capabilities, the company is vigorously moving forward with its electric offensive. Volkswagen will invest $800 million (€690 million) in its Chattanooga site and will create about 1,000 new jobs. Suppliers will also create additional jobs in the region. The first electric car from Chattanooga is to roll off the production line in 2022. The United States is the third leading market for electric cars, following China and Western Europe.

 

With its selection of Chattanooga, Volkswagen will have plants on three continents where vehicles based on the new Modular Electric Drive Toolkit (MEB) will be built. In Germany, the Zwickau plant is scheduled to begin producing the compact ID.* at the end of 2019. The company’s plants in Emden and Hanover will also produce electric cars in the future. Together with Zwickau, they will form the largest production alliance for electric cars in Europe. Two MEB plants are also currently taking shape in Anting/Shanghai and Foshan in China, with production scheduled to commence in 2020. Dresden and Mlada Boleslav are also scheduled to be electric locations in Europe. By 2022, Volkswagen plans to operate eight MEB plants for the next generation of electric vehicles.

 

Electromobility for all

The first electric vehicle produced in Chattanooga will be the SUV model ID. CROZZ*. The ID. BUZZ*, the reinterpretation of the legendary VW bus, is also intended for the US market. Both cars are part of Volkswagen’s new ID. family, which will make optimum use of the possibilities of e-mobility. Among other features, the electrically powered vehicles will offer long ranges, a spacious interior, dynamic driving behavior and a new level of digital connectivity. “We’re known as ‘the people’s car’ for a reason, and our EVs will build on that tradition,” said Scott Keogh, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. In addition to electric cars, the Chattanooga plant will continue to produce the Atlas** and the Passat**.

 

In coming years, the Volkswagen Group will invest more than €30 billion in the expansion of electromobility. Our Group brands are increasing the number of pure electric models by 2025 from a current 6 to more than 50. At the same time, the company is working intensely to expand charging options. In just a few weeks, customers will be able to get green power for their vehicles from a newly established company called the Elli Group. Other e-mobility services will be added as the year of 2019 progresses.