Volkswagen is not scouting for alternative locations as it evaluates plans to build a new car factory in Turkey, Andreas Tostmann, VW’s production chief, has told media.

“We are watching developments. Plans for Turkey are currently on hold. We are not actively looking at alternative locations,” Tostmann said.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

The Putin-Erdogan agreement on 23 October decreases the chances for VW to relocate its planned plant out of Turkey, romania-insider.com said.

Nonetheless, Romania made the best offer to VW for hosting the planned new car plant, Paula Pirvanescu, a state secretary in the ministry of business environment (MMACA), said at the Auto Industry Forum 2019 in Bucharest, adding that “the final decisions are made at a higher level” – not involving the ministry or the investment agency.

Romania is one of the best EU countries for companies to relocate their businesses and a hub for the automotive industry with Renault and Ford operating “nearly very well” despite problematic infrastructure, Pirvanescu argued.

The race for hosting VW’s new plant resumed with Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Croatia all renewing their interest or even contacting the German automaker after it announced it put on hold the investment in Turkey (the initial choice) amid political and military developments.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Volkswagen, however, stressed it was not actively scouting for new locations.

Just Auto Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Auto Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving automotive industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now