Romania is on the short list for a new Volkswagen plant in Eastern Europe, although initially it was out due to the poor infrastructure and lack of personnel. Sources close to the situation have told ‘Automobilwoche’ that a decision hasn’t been made and that Romania and Bulgaria are on the short list to manufacture two models of the German group.
Volkswagen Group has recently confirmed it is looking for a Skoda plant in Eastern Europe, shortly after such information was released by the international press, digi24.ro reports.
It is not clear if the group has initiated talks with the Romanian and Bulgarian authorities.
Last week, MEP Siegfried Muresan informed about this opportunity and sent an open letter to Prime Minister Viorica Dancila and to the Minister of Economy regarding this topic.
“The decision is part of the new plan for the Volkswagen plants. The plants in Emden and Hanover (Germany) will manufacture electric cars, whereas the production of Passat will be relocated from Emden to the Kvasiny plant in the Czech Republic. Thus, the production of Skoda Karoq and Seat Ateca, now in Kvasiny, would have to be relocated as of 2023 to another plant the group wants to open in Eastern Europe,” Muresan wrote, calling on the Government to adopt measures in order to attract the investment.
According to the sources of the German publication, a Greenfield project is considered either in Romania or in Bulgaria, but the conversion of an engine plant in Hungary or Poland into a car factory could also be considered.
Analysts say the project could involve 5,000 jobs, an investment of EUR 1 billion and a production to be almost entirely exported.
The new plant will manufacture, after 2022, the SUVs Skoda Karoq and Seat Ateca, both models being currently produced in the Czech Republic.
Romania will be selected!!!!!!!!!!