Volkswagen Group is setting up an all-new MEB plant at Anhui, China, with a target to commence production by the second half of 2023. This project will help the Group to accomplish its objective of delivering up to 1.5 million new energy vehicles (NEVs) per year.
Anhui plant is the third of the Group’s pure-electric vehicle manufacturing facilities in the country after Anting (SAIC VW) and Foshan (FAW-VW) factories. Powered by green energy from day one, the Anhui plant is another cornerstone of Volkswagen’s global e-mobility push.
New construction at Volkswagen Anhui includes brownfield repurposing and upscaling of the former JAC plant and the establishment of a completely new body shop area. The new body shop will cover roughly 141,000 square metres and makes up part of the total project area, together covering around 500,000 square meters. The new plant will incorporate a number of energy saving strategies as part of comprehensive efforts to reduce overall carbon emissions, including the adoption of low energy consumption production equipment. A supplier park for battery and components is also planned for construction in the area.
Dr Stephan Wöllenstein, CEO of Volkswagen Group China, said, “Volkswagen Anhui is set to become a global hub for e-mobility innovation and a cornerstone of the Group’s decarbonisation strategy. As China is the world’s largest single market for NEV vehicles, we need to strengthen our local competence, and Volkswagen Anhui is a significant part of it. With the plant to be powered by green energy from day one, we are demonstrating our commitment to reducing carbon emissions beyond our fleet.”
Volkswagen’s Anhui plant will employ around 500 people with a focus on R&D and engineering innovations. Combining R&D, quality assurance, pre-sales manufacturing and testing under one roof, this facility will provide the Group with a faster time-to-market for new e- mobility products. Featuring models based on the MEB platform, incorporating Volkswagen’s DNA of quality, safety and value, the Volkswagen Anhui product portfolio will target younger customers and provide fresh, distinctive designs with a strong emotional appeal.