Volkswagen Addresses Speculation on Chinese Joint Venture Partners’ European Investments

Volkswagen’s CEO has discussed potential European investments with the carmaker’s Chinese joint venture partners, though no concrete decisions have been made, according to a spokesperson for the company on Tuesday.

The spokesperson declined to comment on whether these discussions involved the possible acquisition of Volkswagen’s manufacturing plants. Earlier in the day, Chief Executive Oliver Blume had been asked whether the company might engage in talks with potential Chinese investors regarding German factories.

Blume stated that investments creating value and jobs in Europe are generally viewed positively. He noted that Volkswagen maintains close partnerships with Chinese joint venture partners, adding that while discussions about investments are ongoing, no firm decisions have been reached. He emphasized that such matters require thorough preparation. Blume made these comments during a conference organized by Die Welt in Berlin.

In a subsequent emailed statement, the spokesperson clarified that Blume’s comments referred to broader conversations about the investment plans of Chinese partners in Europe and were not specific to Volkswagen’s German plants.

Volkswagen is currently developing a long-term strategy for two of its German plants—Dresden and Osnabrück—which are set to cease production in the coming years. The company declined to comment on rumors related to the future of these facilities.

While numerous Chinese automakers are building or planning to build factories in Europe, they have shown little public interest in constructing or purchasing plants in Germany, where high energy and labor costs pose significant challenges.

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