Volkswagen Reaffirms Plans For SUV in Chattanooga

Chattanooga (WDEF) As Tennessee officials gather in Chattanooga on Thursday to talk about the Volkswagen fallout, the company issues a re-assuring commitment to the plant here.

The Volkswagen Group says they have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding its Chattanooga facility to build the new midsize SUV for the U.S. market.

And they have not cut the planned $900 million commitment to the plant and 2,000 new jobs.

Production on the new midsize SUV should begin by the end of next year.

“Today, we reaffirm our support of the Chattanooga plant, our employees and the broader community,” said Christian Koch, president and CEO, Volkswagen Chattanooga. “We know we have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but this is a crucial moment in our efforts to deepen our commitment to America.”

“The United States continues to be one of the most important markets for Volkswagen, and our commitment to Chattanooga and the state of Tennessee is clear proof of that,” said Michael Horn, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “The Chattanooga plant is a core part of our strategy in North America. Here and throughout the region, we will work toward meeting the demands of our U.S. customers and regaining their trust in the Volkswagen brand.”

Lawmakers and state officials are gathering at the Hamilton County Board of Education Thursday afternoon for a hearing on how the Volkswagen emissions scandal could affect Tennessee’s concessions to the company.