VW reopens factory in Germany, restarts Golf production

KUALA LUMPUR: After being idle for weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic, VW has officially reopened its Germany based Wolfsburg factory after the condition in the country improved. The all-new Golf would be the first vehicle to go into production; however, don’t expect it to be built in large numbers. Similar to the Zwicky plant that was reopened recently, the Wolfsburg plant will manufacture the Golf at a reduced capacity of 10-15%.

Volkswagen Passenger Car, Chief Operating Officer, Ralf Brandstatter, said that it is the first step by the company to stimulate demand in Germany and Europe while managing the crisis that is still affecting the nation.

He further said, “Step-by-step resumption of production is an important signal for the workforce, dealerships, suppliers, and the wider economy. In terms of managing the crisis, though, this is just the first step. Additional momentum is needed to stimulate demand in Germany and throughout Europe so that production volumes can be successively increased.”

Around 8,000 employees reported at the factory hall to build the all-new VW Golf. To ensure their perfect health and safety, the automaker has imposed several safety measures, it includes-

• wearing face masks, where a minimum distance of 1.5 metres is not possible to maintain
• constant temperature check by employees on themselves
• use of walkaway diversions to avoid close contact
• use of plexiglass partition across the factory

The initial production of the Golf will be done on a one-shift basis and will have longer cycle times. Also, to meet the customers demand in Europe, the automaker will restart the production process of Tiguan, SEAT Tarraco, and Touran from Wednesday.

The Volkswagen is expecting to roll out around 1,400 cars by the end of the first week. Post that, the production will ramp up to 6,000 cars in the following week as multi-shift operations will commence. This represents 40% of the manufacturing done before COVID-19.

With 2,600 suppliers resuming work for VW’s main factory and 70% dealerships in Germany reopened, the automaker is looking forward to delivering vehicles and providing quality service to its customers.

Till date, there are 158,758 confirmed carse, 6,126 deaths, and 114,500 recoveries reported in Germany. Out of the 38,132 active cases in the country, 94% are showing mild symptoms, while the remaining 6% are in critical condition.

With Germany on the recovery path, it might not be long before other carmakers restart their manufacturing and service operations in the country.

Also Read: Volkswagen service centres resumed operations; prior appointment required