File this one under you can't always believe everything you hear. Today during a taping of "This Week with Bob Mueller," Nashville Radio Talk Show Host Steve Gill suggested Volkswagen might have an interest in the Spring Hill plant that General Motors announced would be idled.
Gill based his theory on how it might be cheaper for VW to purchase an already built plant with state of the art technology versus starting from stratch. He also suggested little had been done in Chattanooga as far as site work and construction.
If you see stories develop from this person's opinion, keep in mind they are his opinion and not based on any factual evidence.
During my reporting on VW I have visited the construction site many times. It is progressing along greatly. The walls and some roofing on the paint shop are already being installed. Ground was recently broken on several other sections of the plant, training center, and other on site facilities. The factory is due to be weather tight this fall.
That's quite an investment to put the brakes on to relocate to the old Saturn plant. Also, VW has it's own way of doing things and would have to completely retool the old Saturn plant, retrain the workforce, and negotiate with the UAW.
I just wanted to set the record straight before it caused any undo stress for folks here in Chattanooga who have worked long and hard to bring this employer to the community.
Here's my proof, which is actually a few weeks old:
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