By
Associated Press
Published: Wed, April 23, 2008 - 5:45 pm
Last Updated: Wed, April 23, 2008 - 5:51 pm
Last Updated: Wed, April 23, 2008 - 5:51 pm
competing for a potential U.S. production facility to Alabama,
Michigan and Tennessee.
The German automaker said it was still evaluating whether to
build a new plant in the United States and would make a final
decision this summer.
Stefan Jacoby, Volkwagen's U.S. president and chief executive,
said the automaker was evaluating cost, logistics, site readiness
and operational considerations as it looks at the three states.
Volkswagen officials have said the surging euro has pushed plans
for a new production facility forward.
“The state of Alabama is very honored to be a finalist for this important project. At this time, we will not make any further comment,” said Jeff Emerson, Governor Bob Riley's communications director.
On Thursday, Governor Riley will receive an award from the Alabama-Germany partnership for his part in recruiting the ThyssenKrupp steel mill to Alabama.
Governor Riley will also announce a new German-based automotive supplier that will be located in Auburn.
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I think Alabama has 3 good sites that would be good for VW. That being said, I believe Atmore near Mobile may be the most likely one chosen. Thyssenkrupp is being built at a location about 65 miles from the Atmore site; this steel supplier is already a major provider to VW in Germany. Mobile has a major expansion of its container terminal that will provide VW with an easy and fast source of imported parts. There are plenty of willing and able workers nearby who have no tendency to organize a union. Atmore is only a 55 mile drive from Mobile where established suppliers will serve them. Best of all for Alabama, whichever site is chosen, is we have Neal Wade of the Alabama Development Office and Governor Riley working on this project.