123 replies to this topic

[flith]

flith, on 12 January 2009 - 05:25 PM, said:

Somewhat related to the Chattanooga VW plant is the potential Audi expansion.  The most recent US figures for Audi indicate a 4% drop in sales while globally their sales are up 4.1% for the year.

I feel this is potentially good news on the future Audi expansion in the US.  They are believed to be considering adding a line at the Chattanooga VW plant.  (Again the dollar to euro exchange rate makes the US favorable for expansion)

Stefan Jacoby has told Bloomberg news that Audi may produce vehicles in Chattanooga.  No final decision has been made yet but Euro/Dollar exchange rates remain favorable for US production.  VW Chattanooga's 2 million-square-foot plant is designed to build an initial 150,000 cars a year. However, VW is adding 43,000 square feet to the assembly area's 775,000 square feet, and it already has bolstered the size of the paint shop.  VW stated in its Foreign Trade area application that it can double Chattanooga manufacturing to  5 million square feet if that capacity is needed.  A sport utility vehicle is also rumored.  No matter what the exchange rate dictates that as much N. American production as possible must take place in Chattanooga since Mexico is at capacity.

[flith]

VW is seeking LEED certification for the plant now. Audi production is still under consideration.

[flith]

Hankster, on 22 July 2008 - 03:48 PM, said:

Here's an interesting article that has this statement: "Jacoby said the vehicles produced in Chattanooga will be offered in gasoline, hybrid and diesel versions."  The article states that engines and transmissions are likely to be sourced from Mexico as VW invests about $1 Billion in facilities there over the next three years.  It also states that a joint assembly operation between VW and Audi in Chattanooga is a definite possibility.


http://www.autonews....910917/1177/ANE


Also, announced in the Chattanooga paper today was that Chattanooga will become headquarters for North American manufacturing operations.  This means about 400 white collars jobs for the Chattanooga area.  This is definitely great news for Chattanooga.

Rumors are starting to come out that VW may be building a second North America engine plant for the Chattanooga Plant.  Peter Schmidt, editor of European newsletter Automotive Industry Data is quoted in a Times Free Press article stating "The old European Passat couldn't compete on costs; but now with the new plant (in Tennessee) and the new medium-size sedan being made there, VW should be able to compete with Accord and Camry. And I think there's a chance the engines might be made there, too," The question where is there is he referring to Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States, or North America.  The Times Free Press also had an article on Apr 18th about Canada competing for the plant apparently The Globe and Mail newspaper in Toronto reported Friday that Ontario's government will be bidding for the engine or transmission plant.  Experts believe that if VW looks only at incentive packages the plant will go the the US.

Edited by flith, 18 April 2010 - 03:12 AM.

[flith]

emg CarTech has quoted  Thomas Loafman, director of purchasing for Volkswagen Group of America as saying VW as choosing Chattanooga for it's engine plant. Local VW officials deny the selection and say it's a misquote.