Volkswagen is expanding its global production network for electric vehicles by starting to make the all-electric ID.4 in Emden. Emden is now the second site for electric vehicles in Germany following Zwickau and also joins the Chinese plants in Anting and Foshan. Chattanooga (ID.4) and Hanover will also commence production this year. As a result, Volkswagen is creating the conditions in 2022 for building 1.2 million all-electric vehicles a year based on the MEB in the future at its sites in Europe, the U.S. and China. Volkswagen has invested around one billion euros in converting the Emden plant with its 8,000 employees. Emden is thus the first high-tech site for electric mobility in Lower Saxony. The Volkswagen Group will invest a total of 21 billion euros in Lower Saxony up to 2026 and make the federal state Germany’s center for electric mobility.
“Rapid expansion of production capacities for our successful ID.4 model is a key component of our ACCELERATE strategy. It helps us accelerate the transformation to zero-carbon mobility and create further capacities to meet the high demand for electric vehicles,” said Volkswagen CEO Ralf Brandstätter. “With our clear commitment to the site, we aim to show that cost-effectiveness and competitiveness are not only possible in the region, but that we can even enhance them lastingly.”
Lower Saxony becomes the center for electric mobility
“Volkswagen is making Lower Saxony, where we have 130,000 employees, Germany’s center for electric mobility,” said Ralf Brandstätter. Apart from the ID.4, Emden will make another model – the AERO B03 – next year. In addition, production of the iconic ID. Buzz04 will commence this year at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Hanover. It will be joined from 2023 on by the ID.3 made in Wolfsburg, while a further electric vehicle – the Trinity05 – will then roll off the assembly line at the location starting in 2026. The Group is also investing in Braunschweig, Salzgitter and Kassel, among other things in further expansion of the existing MEB production of battery systems, rotors/stators and electric motors. The Salzgitter location is being expanded further into a European battery hub. Investments in Lower Saxony will add up to 21 billion euros overall by 2026 – an unprecedented level, also by international standards.
Gerardo Scarpino, Deputy Chairman of the General Works Council : “Electric mobility is no longer a distant goal – it’s becoming a reality for our colleagues at more and more plants here. Yet it wasn’t a foregone conclusion that electric mobility would be rolled out comprehensively at our German sites. However, the codetermination bodies campaigned for it and concluded site agreements in good time – and this success proves us right. In particular, our employees are showing that they are highly motivated and flexible in helping to accomplish the conversion and ramp-up work. Their efforts also deserve to be honored today.”
Christian Vollmer, member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Production and Logistics said: “The consistent expansion of the production network is key for the success of our global electric offensive. With the knowledge and experience gained in Emden, we will be able to drive the transformation of other plants quickly and efficiently. Innovative production concepts and highly qualified teams form the basis for this approach. This is how we forge ahead with our ACCELERATE strategy – worldwide, in Germany and right here, in Lower Saxony.
Uwe Schwartz, manager of the Emden plant: “Start of production of the first all-electric model at the site is an unparalleled milestone for the whole Emden team. We have prepared intensively to make the ID.4 in the past two years and have eagerly awaited this day. Seeing the ID.4 now come off the line in Emden fills us with pride. We’re proud that Emden is doing its bit to accelerate Volkswagen’s electrification strategy. With this magnificent team performance, we will continue and grow our long and successful tradition of production here.”
Manfred Wulff, Chairman of the Works Council at the Emden plant: “The Works Council campaigned strongly for investing in electric mobility in Emden. Then we in East Frisia proved that Volkswagen can convert a factory to electric mobility in the space of two years. The ID.4 marks the successful start of electric mobility here. The AERO B saloon and the Variant will follow next year and the year after next. Emden is now a leading player in electric mobility. As a result, we’ll secure jobs in our region lastingly with three all-electric vehicles made in East Frisia. My thanks go to the great team that prepared and implemented everything successfully.”
The ID.4’s start-up is on schedule, despite the global challenges during the two-year conversion phase. Emden’s maximum production capacity at the end of 2022 will be 800 units per working day, depending on the supply situation.
Six new production halls and five new conveyor bridges and logistics buildings over a total area of some 125,000 square meters have been created as part of the plant’s conversion. A foundation for successful transformation is the qualification concept at Emden, which comprises training near to the production line and virtual training, as well as sharing of knowledge and experience with Volkswagen’s Zwickau site. More than 400 employees from Emden have been assigned to Zwickau since early 2020 in order to prepare for producing electric vehicles.
