WDEF News 12

A familiar face was in Knoxville today to open up a clean energy summit.

Stefan Jacoby of Volkswagen Group of America joined the Governor for the first day of the conference.

He promised that Volkswagen would lead the way in partnering with the state for green energy.

Jacoby says the company will offer Americans low mileage alternatives.. Including a Chattanooga built sedan with either gas or clean diesel engines.

The Governor says green partnerships can help Tennessee overcome the economic slump.

Gov. Bredesen says "That puts us in a strong position, I think, to take advantage of these economic times to be very competitive and to help bring not only the Volkswagens but some of the ancillary businesses. The suppliers that they'll bring as well."

The Governor also says that the slump won't affect the state's economic incentives to build the Chattanooga plant.

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