Production for the Volkswagen ID.4 Commences in Chattanooga
Photo Source: Volkswagen
U.S. Manufacturing of the VW ID.4 Expands the MEB Platform
The ID.4 has a new home within the U.S., the plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Production officially commences in 2022, but the U.S.-manufactured prototypes expand the Volkswagen MEB platform beyond Europe and Asia. The Volkswagen ID.4 SUVs are hotcakes, selling like crazy since early spring 2021, with the first examples arriving from German experts.
Chattanooga Plant Prepares for EV Production
The Volkswagen Chattanooga plant is no stranger to yielding momentous strides. The plant forged the eagerly anticipated Atlas crossover and participated in U.S. distribution. The Chattanooga plant graduated from the Atlas with the subsequent transition of creating space for EV production.
Passat Production Ceases to Make Room for the ID.4
Photo Source: Volkswagen
The German automaker announced early in the summer (2021) that production for the Passat would cease, so the ID.4 received the necessary room. The Passat made a global debut in 1973, and in true farewell fashion, the sedan received a 1973 Limited Edition trim.
Once production halts on the Passat, the Volkswagen Arteon goes from side chick to the primary sedan.
Volkswagen Legitimizes its Build Method
“This early model is a way for us to validate the build process, components, and procedures in advance of full assembly which is scheduled to begin next year. Just as important, it represents our $800 million dollar investment in EV assembly for the region—and our commitment to the high-tech jobs that will keep this facility humming.”
–Scott Keogh, Volkswagen of America President and CEO
What is the Volkswagen Academy?
Volkswagen Academy, conducted at the Chattanooga plant, has evolved its vocational training program. Additionally, the Academy offers several new courses on EV technology, including high-voltage batteries and aluminum welding techniques in preparation for the EV era.
“Completely new to many students is the aluminum welding required for the battery of an electric vehicle. Typically, apprentices (or, in many cases, robots) weld with steel, but for the EV batteries, they learn how to weld with rubber on an aluminum frame which will be placed in the underbody of the vehicle. The process new to Volkswagen is a key technology and skill which is needed as more EVs are developed at Volkswagen.”
–Volkswagen
The ID.4 and Beyond: Expanding the EV Lineup
The VW EV lineup is prepared to pack a severe punch with the assembly of the ID.4 beginning in Chattanooga in 2022 and the installment of the dual-motor AWD variation. The AWD will strengthen VW’s EV lineup for the U.S. much like other inexpensive competitors from brands such as Nissan, arriving in markets in the next few months. Furthermore, with the ID.8 two seconds away from its debut, expansion is imminent following the ID.6.
Explore the Innovative Features of the ID.4 at Sunrise Volkswagen!
The Volkswagen ID.4’s arrival on U.S. shores marks a significant step forward for the German automaker’s electric vehicle strategy. With domestic production and a growing EV lineup, Volkswagen is poised to become a major player in the burgeoning electric vehicle market. Visit us today and experience the electrifying performance firsthand.