Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. announced today that it will invest $800 million to build a new electric vehicle assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The new facility will create 1,000 jobs and will have the capacity to produce 150,000 vehicles annually.

The new Chattanooga plant will produce a battery-electric SUV for the Volkswagen brand. It will be based on the MEB platform, which is designed specifically for electric vehicles. The first vehicle to be produced at the plant will be the ID Crozz SUV, which is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in 2020.

Thomas Gilbert, Chattanooga plant manager, said: "The Chattanooga team has a proven track record of excellence in manufacturing, and we are excited to add electric vehicle production to our robust portfolio. This new factory is another example of our commitment to the United States and the Tennessee Valley, and we're proud to bring these new jobs to the Chattanooga community."

About Volkswagen

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWAGY) or ("Volkswagen") is proud to be one of the world's largest automotive manufacturers, serving customers in 150 countries and employing more than 610,000 people. Founded in 1955, the company now sells its cars in approximately 150 countries. In 2016, Volkswagen delivered more than 10 million vehicles worldwide, and our goal is to deliver 500,000 EVs by 2025. Today, Volkswagen Group's divisions include Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Buggati, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.