VAG: VW could build Porsches in US

The German business newspaper Handelsblatt today reported that VW could build Porsche's premium SUV in a new factory it plans to open in the U.S. in 2010. The newspaper cited internal VW sources.

VW spokesman Andreas Meurer today did not deny that VW could build Porsche vehicles in the U.S.

"When we discuss whether to build the [VW] Touareg and [Audi] Q7 in the USA, we also talk about the Cayenne," Meurer told Automotive News Europe.

The Touareg, Q7 and Cayenne share the same platform and are built in VW's factory in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Meurer confirmed that the 150,000-unit U.S. plant will initially build the VW Jetta sedan and an all-new sedan that will be about the same size as the VW Passat.

He also confirmed that three U.S. states – Alabama, Tennessee and Michigan - are under consideration for the plant. VW will decide on the location in mid July.

VW CEO Martin Winterkorn told Handelsblatt that models for VW's premium brand Audi could be built alongside VW models in the new plant.

Porsche owns 31 percent of VW and plans to increase its stake to more than 50 percent in the next six months.

Source: www.autonews.com