HERNDON, Va. and MEXICO CITY — The Volkswagen Group has announced it will build a new engine plant in Silao, Mexico, as part of its long-term expansion strategy in North America. Beginning in 2013, the new plant in Silao will supply the latest generation of engines to the automaker’s vehicle plants in Chattanooga, Tenn., and Puebla, Mexico.
"This investment is yet another signal of the importance of North America to the Volkswagen Group," said Jonathan Browning, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. "The current expansion of capacity of the plant in Puebla, the upcoming start of production in Chattanooga, as well as the opening of the new engine plant in Silao, clearly shows Volkswagen’s commitment to winning in this market."
Strengthening the market position of the Volkswagen Group in North America is an essential component of the company’s global expansion strategy, VW noted. The company is planning sales of 1 million vehicles in the U.S. annually by 2018. A core element of this strategy is to offer vehicles tailored to the demands of U.S. customers, such as the all-new Jetta and the New Midsize Sedan (NMS). The all-new Jetta is built in Puebla, Mexico, and the NMS will be produced in Chattanooga, Tenn., beginning next year.
The new engine plant is designed for an annual capacity of 330,000 engines. The investment for the development of the new engine as well as for building the new site totals $550 million. Volkswagen says it will create approximately 700 jobs over the medium term on site in Silao. In addition, further jobs will arise in the region with suppliers and in the area of logistics. The Volkswagen Group selected Silao as the new engine site because – in addition to having a qualified work force and a developed supplier structure – the region offers a site of 60 hectares, which is already developed and has an existing transport infrastructure.
"North America is and remains one of the biggest and most important markets for the automotive industry," said Prof. Dr. Jochem Heizmann, member of the Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Board of Management for Group Production.
Currently, the Volkswagen Jetta, Golf Estate and the New Beetle are produced in Puebla, Mexico. Production of the NMS will begin in Chattanooga in 2011.
