TAMA Applauds VW Expansion in Chattanooga

The Tennessee Automotive Manufacturers Association (Nashville, TN) applauds Volkswagen for its commitment to the state with the announcement of the new midsize SUV and the establishment of the National Research and Development and Planning Center in Chattanooga, TN.

TAMA believes that VW’s investment is a vote of confidence in Tennessee and the supply base. It means more high-quality jobs at the plant in Chattanooga and more jobs for the growing supply base across the state.

Establishing the national research, development, and planning center demonstrates VW’s commitment to fostering automotive innovation in Tennessee. It signifies a step forward in moving Tennessee’s automotive industry up the value-chain, as we move from a world class center for production to a hub for innovation excellence. Adding product design and engineering to the pipeline of services will set Tennessee apart from other locations like Mexico.

In 2013, The Brookings Institution conducted an assessment of the industry in Tennessee and noted that a key step in propelling the industry to the next level is increasing local innovation. The report calls for expanding collaboration between private industry and the state’s research institutions.

As a result of the new research center, TAMA believes we are likely to see more suppliers conducting research and development as they work to integrate their products to VW’s new part designs. It represents an evolution of the industry in Tennessee and ultimately means more high-paying, high-tech jobs in Tennessee.

TAMA was formed in 1987 as a leading resource for Tennessee’s rapidly growing automotive manufacturing industry, led by the arrival of Nissan North America and General Motors Spring Hill (originally Saturn Corporation). With the addition of Volkswagen in 2010, TAMA serves as the forum that connects the state’s automotive manufacturing industry, including more than 1,000 suppliers and related businesses.

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