Volkswagen is engaged in intensive talks with defense industry companies about the future of its factory in Osnabrück, northern Germany, Bild newspaper reported on Tuesday, citing an interview with CEO Oliver Blume.
‘We will no longer produce vehicles from the Volkswagen group in Osnabrück from 2027 and are therefore holding in-depth discussions with defense sector companies,’ Oliver Blume told Bild. ‘I am very confident that a decision will be made on this matter this year.’
Mr. Blume emphasized that the German government had given a clear mandate to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities, adding that ‘everyone in Germany wants and needs security.’
The Volkswagen boss pointed out that the group saw an opportunity to leverage its expertise in automation and the qualifications of its workforce in Osnabrück.
However, he clarified that Volkswagen would not produce weapons.
‘Military transport vehicles could be a possibility. Tanks are out of the question,’ Oliver Blume stated to Bild.
