Will the new generation of leaders keep Volkswagen happy?

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Volkswagen has now made three announcements that were very friendly to Chattanooga.

2008- VW picks Chattanooga for their only U.S. plant

2014- VW will build all new Atlas in Chattanooga

2019- VW will build their 2nd electric production line in the world (1st one in Germany) in Chattanooga for North America

At the Detroit Auto Show, Volkswagen/America CEO Scott Keogh explained why his company likes dealing with Tennessee. And his description of working with Gov. Bill Haslam and soon to be Governor Bill Lee.

But Governor Haslam is leaving office in a few days.

Will the new Governor have the same commitment to keep Volkswagen happy?

Today Bill Lee said said all the right things.

In 2008, Phil Bredesen sat in the Governor’s mansion and Bob Corker was Mayor of Chattanooga. They worked out the original deal to bring VW here.

But now, we are in the 3rd generation of leadership dealing with the European automaker. (Jim Coppinger is the exception.. taking over for Claude Ramsey, but there from the beginning.)

Current Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke seems just as enthusiastic for a future with VW as his predecessors were.

And Chattanooga/Volkswagen may be well represented in the future.

While Bob Corker has left the U.S. Senate, both Haslam and Berke are possible contenders to replace him.