Volkswagen May Announce Location Of New SUV Production Next Week

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

Volkswagen appears ready to announce where its upcoming mid-size SUV — based upon the CrossBlue concept from the 2013 Detroit Auto Show — will be assembled.

Automotive News reports the decision could come as soon as next week at the earliest, though execs either don’t know or cannot say for sure, citing the automaker’s board’s tendency to keep things close to its Teutonic heart. Two locations up for nomination include Mexico and the beleaguered-by-politics plant in Chattanooga, Tenn. Either way, the new SUV will be produced and sold for the U.S. and Canadian markets.

The only roadblock for production in the U.S. is whether or not a $300 million packaged offered by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development — pulled off the table in January of this year ahead of a then-impending United Auto Workers election at the Chattanooga facility — will actually be offered. Department PR chief Clint Brewer stated in an email that his department has attempted to contact VW, but nothing more has come of it thus far.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Redav Redav on May 09, 2014

    I don't see it going to TN. The Germans made a stink about needing a works council, so I expect them to stick to their threat.

  • Corey Lewis Corey Lewis on May 09, 2014

    Last time, I got yelled by some offended people for saying this was a manly looking SUV. So I will say it again here. I like the blocky look quite a lot.

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    • Corey Lewis Corey Lewis on May 09, 2014

      @This Is Dawg Dislike the back, it's to van-y. And those brake light clusters will look dated quickly. And the rear design overall has already been done with the gen1 Touareg.

  • JohnnyChops JohnnyChops on May 09, 2014

    I hope it does go to Mexico. They will have to set up the tooling for AWD. Then they could build the Golf Sportwagen AWD that was at NY Auto Show. This could be a win.

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    • Hillman Hillman on May 09, 2014

      Why would you hope Americans lose a solid middle class job?

  • Big Al from Oz Big Al from Oz on May 10, 2014

    Somehow I don't think Tennessee will be the choice of VW. Choosing Tennessee will create to much political heat. I'll bet Mexico. By the way that Crossblue looks great. I do like the look of some of the latest offerings from VW. I like that Amarok looking front end. It doesn't have one of those small dick over sized big rig pickup grilles. That's what makes the Amarok more attractive as a pickup.

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