Volkswagen in Intensive Talks With Defence Companies Over Osnabrueck Plant
Volkswagen's Strategic Shift at Osnabrueck Plant
By Maria Martinez
Intensive Discussions With Defence Sector
BERLIN, April 28 (Reuters) - Volkswagen VOWG.DE is in intensive talks with defence companies over the future of its Osnabrueck plant in northern Germany, Bild reported on Tuesday, citing an interview with Chief Executive Oliver Blume.
End of Volkswagen Group Production at Osnabrueck
"We will no longer produce Volkswagen Group products in Osnabrueck from 2027 and are therefore in intensive talks with companies in the defence sector," Blume told Bild. "I am very confident that we will make a decision on this this year."
Government Mandate and National Security
Blume said the German government had given a clear mandate to make the country capable of defending itself, adding that "everyone in Germany wants and needs security".
Volkswagen's Potential Contributions
Expertise in Automation and Workforce Qualifications
The Volkswagen chief said the group saw an opportunity to contribute with its expertise in automation and the qualifications of its workforce at Osnabrueck.
Clarification on Military Production
No Weapons Manufacturing
He said, however, Volkswagen would not produce weapons.
Focus on Military Transport Vehicles
"Vehicles for military transport could be one direction. We are not talking about tanks," Blume told Bild.
(Reporting by Maria Martinez; editing by Barbara Lewis)
