Volkswagen Updates Progress at Enterprise South Site

In spite of the recent economic slow down, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America's Chattanooga Operations Frank Fischer says plans are full steam ahead in the Scenic City.

"If we really want to be a major player in the U.S. again, we have to be a local supplier. And that is why we are absolutely dedicated to build this plant," Fischer said Monday.

During an update of Volkswagen and the auto industry as a whole, Fischer addressed concerns about the troubled economy but said VW's plans have not changed.  "The automobile will always be an essential part of the American way of life," he added.

The Chattanooga Operation now has 100 employees both locally and in Germany. Fischer says the goal is still at least 2,000 employees when construction is finished.

"I think maybe in February or March we'll show you more details of what we will do there," Fischer said of hiring and recruitment plans.

The work at Enterprise South rolls on.

VW Group of America's President of Manufacturing Don Jackson describes the amount of work done.  "Every month, month by month you can see the progress and you really understand the passion that VW has to build a quality product."

Fischer says they should start digging the foundation during the last week of January.  "I think we will see the first concrete pouring somewhere in the middle of February," he added about the timeline of the construction.

"It's like having your own baby, isn't it?" Fischer said.  "It's our baby here."

The goal still calls for the first Chattanooga built Volkswagens to roll off the assembly line in 2011.