Car expert: VW plant in Zwickau faces its third reinvention

According to automotive expert Werner Olle, the VW plant in Zwickau is on the verge of its third reinvention. After the new start in 1990 and the transformation into the first pure e-car factory in Europe from 2018, it is now about entering the circular economy, Olle told the German Press Agency. "As a modern production and logistics location, Zwickau has the ideal conditions to become a European dismantling and diagnostics center for electric vehicles."

Other manufacturers in Europe are already active in this area, emphasized the co-founder of the Chemnitz Automotive Institute (CATI) at Chemnitz University of Technology. He referred to Renault, Stellantis and, since this year, Toyota. The starting conditions in Zwickau are comparable to those of Toyota in Burnaston, UK. For the time being, around 10,000 vehicles a year are being produced there, says Olle. New cars will also continue to be produced in Burnaston - as is also planned for Zwickau.

Decline in vehicle production is "painful"

The inspection and dismantling of end-of-life vehicles will initially require fewer staff than the production of new vehicles, Olle admits. According to the latest company figures, around 9,200 people work at the Zwickau car factory. There are also employees at suppliers.

The 35th anniversary of Volkswagen Saxony will be celebrated at the plant on Friday (December 12). It comes at a time of great uncertainty, says Olle. "The decline in vehicle production until 2027 is painful." This is because the overcapacity at the German VW sites is also affecting Zwickau. Production there now only runs in two shifts. Models are to be transferred to other locations in the future.

However, the site and its employees have proven their adaptability in the past, emphasizes Olle. Even if volumes fall, Zwickau will remain one of the central electromobility plants in the Group.