Volkswagen Group China has begun the construction of a new MEB plant at Volkswagen Anhui.
It’s the third of the group BEV manufacturing facilities in China. Following completion of Anting (SAIC VW) and Foshan (FAW-VW) plants, Anhui will be powered by green energy. Due for completion mid-2022, the plant is set for start of production in the second half of 2023.
Stephan Woellenstein, CEO of Volkswagen Group China, said: “As China is the world’s largest single market for NEV vehicles, we need to strengthen our local competence, and 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.”
New construction at Anhui includes brownfield repurposing and upscaling of the former JAC plant and the establishment of a completely new body shop area. The new plant will incorporate energy saving 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 nearby.
Anhui will employ around 500 by 2025 with a focus on R&D and engineering. Combining R&D, quality assurance, pre-sales manufacturing and testing under one roof, it will provide the group with a faster time-to-market for new e-mobility products including models based on the MEB platform targeting younger customers.
