Volkswagen's (VW) Tennessee plant in lead for producing new SUV

Final decision to be taken by the end of the year.

Volkswagen's (VW's) seven-seat sport utility vehicle (SUV) is likely to be produced at the automaker's Chattanooga plant in Tennessee, although a final decision in this regard will be taken by the end of the year. An Associated Press report quoted Marc Trahan, head of quality at Volkswagen Group of America, as saying that the Chattanooga plant is the top contender over the group's Puebla plant in Mexico, which is also in the reckoning. "Right now I'd have to say Chattanooga's in the lead," said Trahan, adding that the final decision will be taken after considering cost and other factors. Trahan declined to comment on whether the decision will be affected by the outcome of the United Auto Workers union's efforts to represent Chattanooga workers.