Volkswagen new build new micro-cars in Slovakia
Volkswagen Group CEO Dr. Martin Winterkorn has announced that the first of its New Small Family (NSF) micro-cars will start production in early 2011. The new models, based on the series of up! concepts from 2007, will initially be built the company's plant in Bratislava, Slovakia. The company plans to build three- and five-door hatchbacks based on the new architecture with variants for the Volkswagen, Seat and Skoda brands. Previously, Volkswagen has also indicated its intention to build the new mini-cars in multiple locations around the world, so this is likely just the beginning. So far, Volkswagen hasn't confirmed whether or not the cars will be offered in the U.S. market.
Gallery: Volkswagen up! concept
[Source: Volkswagen]
Volkswagen to produce the New Small Family in Slovakia
Decision on production location taken/total investment of 308 million euros in Bratislava plant.
Wolfsburg / Bratislava, 22 April 2009 - Europe's largest carmaker, Volkswagen, has set its course for the future. Yesterday, a decision on the production location for the future New Small Family was taken.Professor Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft: "Our team at Volkswagen in Slovakia is ideally prepared to provide the flexibility required for the production of the New Small Family. Four brands are already produced successfully under one roof at our plant in Bratislava today.
The first vehicles in the new family are already due to roll off the Volkswagen production lines in Slovakia at the beginning of 2011 for delivery to customers throughout the world. 3-door and 5-door models will then be available for the Volkswagen, Seat and Skoda brands.
The production decision will safe about 1,500 jobs at the Bratislava plant.
The first study for these economical city cars made its world debut at the 62nd International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in 2007. The second version with its smart space concept followed only a few weeks later at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. 20 months after the presentation of the first study, Volkswagen has now laid the foundations for the production of the future New Small Family.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kris 9:52AM (4/23/2009)
Looks like the Lincoln C-car concept that Ford showed at the Detroit Auto Show.
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Yikes 1:23PM (4/23/2009)
I agree, I too thought the Lincoln was a ripoff of the VW design.
Tohe 1:34PM (4/23/2009)
Oh man, I saw NSF and I thought I'd get to watch a hot car wash scene after the jump, what a disappointment.
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shopa 12:59PM (4/24/2009)
This is a good candidate for my safer small car invention.
safersmallcars.com
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