Volkswagen may expand its Chattanooga factory in the United States where it could build an electric pickup truck and the all-electric ID. Buzz microbus.
The German automaker’s Chattanooga plant currently builds the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport and also commenced pilot production of the ID.4 back in March in preparation for a full launch in the fall. VW has also said it will shift some production to the U.S. and China as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine that has prompted production stoppages at some European plants.
Were Volkswagen to expand its Chattanooga factory, it would help it in its aim to increase its market share throughout North America, Reuters reports. In fact, VW identified North America as the region with the greatest growth potential back in March. It has committed to invest at least $7.1 billion over the next five years there and will be selling 25 new EVs in the region by 2030 with the intention of half its local sales being for EVs by 2030.
Read More: VW Is Buoyant About the ID. Buzz, Wants To Sell 120,000 Units Each Year
Sources claim that the company may build a second production plant in the United States, potentially located next to the Chattanooga site. The car manufacturer is also said to be considering constructing a battery cell plant in the U.S.
Shortly after the unveiling of the production-spec ID. Buzz earlier this year, VW said it would be manufactured in Germany and imported into the United States. However, in late March, Volkswagen of America chief executive Scott Keogh acknowledged that the positive reception to the vehicle could prompt VW to localize production in North America.
As for VW’s planned electric pickup, Keogh recently acknowledged that it represents the “chance of a lifetime” because “electrification gives you a reset moment.” At this point, specific details about the potential electric pickup remain uncertain.
