BERLIN, March 5 (Reuters) - Volkswagen brought vehicle prototypes developed at its factory in Osnabrueck to a defence trade fair last month to gauge the market's interest, said a company spokesperson,
Volkswagen Eyes Military Vehicle Production at Osnabrueck Factory After T-Roc
Volkswagen's Strategic Shift and Osnabrueck Factory Repurposing
Prototype Development and Market Exploration
BERLIN, March 5 (Reuters) - Volkswagen brought vehicle prototypes developed at its factory in Osnabrueck to a defence trade fair last month to gauge the market's interest, said a company spokesperson, as the German carmaker looks at ways to repurpose the German site.
Volkswagen wants to sell or reconfigure the site that employs around 2,300 people after the end of T-Roc Cabriolet production in 2027 as part of the carmaker's wider revamp.
Talks with Rheinmetall and Strategic Options
Talks with Rheinmetall about a sale, including a visit by CEO Armin Papperger, stalled late last year.
Presentation at Enforce Tac Defence Trade Fair
"In recent months, the Volkswagen plant in Osnabrueck has developed various vehicle concepts and presented them at Enforce Tac to explore potential market opportunities and prospects," the spokesperson said in an emailed statement on Thursday.
Enforce Tac Event Overview
The Enforce Tac security and defence trade fair brought together more than 1,400 exhibitors and around 26,000 trade visitors in the southern city of Nuremberg late last month.
"Whether and to what extent concrete projects will result from this remains to be seen," the spokesperson said.
Military Vehicle Concepts and Industry Reception
Defence Network Report and Vehicle Details
German industry publication Defence Network, which first reported the news, published photos of the olive-green MV.1, based on the Amarok pick-up truck, and MV.2 military-grade Crafter van displayed at the trade fair.
The Volkswagen emblem is not present, with only the name D.E.S. Defence written on the sides in the photograph.
Adaptation for Military Use
According to the publication, these vehicles are adapted specifically for military use and have little in common with their civilian versions except their outward appearance.
(Reporting by Christina Amann, Writing by Miranda Murray; Editing by Mark Porter)
