The pre-series production of the new generation Škoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat models has already started in the Bratislava factory of the German car manufacturer Volkswagen, the start of their series production is scheduled for the end of this year. this was announced by the spokesperson of the Slovak division of Volkswagen, Lucia Kovarovič Makayová.
Volkswagen announced the transfer of production of both models to Bratislava in 2020. The company will invest over 400 million euros (9.5 billion CZK) in the new production program, bringing its total investment in the country to over five billion euros (120 billion CZK).
The production of Passats and Superbs is planned on the production line from which the Škoda Karoq and Volkswagen up! including its electric version. The Slovak Volkswagen factory also assembles the Volkswagen Touareg, Audi Q7, Audi Q8 and Porsche Cayenne vehicles.
In preparation for the production of the Passat and Superb models, for example, the company installed new technology and equipment in the assembly hall, and also built a new body shop. According to Makayová, the company has already completed most of the necessary work.
Volkswagen employs about 11,000 people in Slovakia and is one of the largest employers in this country of five million people. This year, the company intends to hire hundreds of new workers.
The automotive industry is the main engine of the Slovak economy. In addition to Volkswagen, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia and Stellantis also have factories in the country. Last year, the Swedish car manufacturer Volvo Cars announced that it would build a plant for the production of electric cars in the east of Slovakia.
Last year, car manufacturers in Slovakia slightly reduced production, to a total of about one million vehicles. The country retained its position as the world’s largest car manufacturer per capita, according to the local Association of the Automotive Industry.
