VW Considering Shutting Down Phaeton Plant
Volkswagen is looking into shutting down its Phaeton plant in Dresden as it seeks to reduce costs.
The plant is known for its architecture and the German automaker calls it “Glaeserne Manufaktur,” German for transparent factory. According to a recent report, the plant builds just eight Pheatons a week and new Volkswagen CEO Matthias Mueller wants to close the factory next year, moving Phaeton production to another plant that builds similar Audi and Porsche models.
The company’s supervisory board will discuss the future of the factory on Friday as part of Volkswagen’s next spending and investment program. If the plant does shut down, expect Volkswagen to transfers its 500 employees to other plants in Germany.
The next-generation Phaeton is due to arrive showrooms around 2019-2020 and will be offered exclusively as an electric vehicle.
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The Dresden plant was opened in 2002 as a futuristic production showpiece and is highly regarded as an architectural gem. It is often used as a backdrop for events, ceremonies, concerts and operas.
Volkswagen hasn’t confirmed or denied the report, but did say that “various scenarios” are under consideration for the plant and it could still be part of the plan for the next-generation Phaeton.
[Source: Automotive News]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Beautiful in concept, VW's glasshouse never made any financial sense ... AT ALL.
What a disaster, VW is going to need a bailout before this is over, or maybe they can merge with FCA.