Europe's largest carmaker, Volkswagen (OTC:VLKAF)(ETR:VOWG_p) announced Friday that the automaker plans to build its new generation of Trinity EV at its factory in Zwickau, canceling plans for an all-new factory that were championed under the group's former CEO.
The Trinity electric vehicle, set to utilize Volkswagen's latest scalable systems platform (SSP), had originally been scheduled for a 2026 release as per former CEO Herbert Diess' strategy.
However, upon assuming the role, his successor Oliver Blume decided to postpone the project by two years. This delay was intended to ease the challenges faced by the struggling software subsidiary, Cariad.
Initially, Volkswagen had outlined plans for constructing a fresh manufacturing facility dedicated to this model. Yet, owing to delays in brand development, the German automaker was also contemplating the conversion of its existing Wolfsburg factory.
"It was decided that there was no need to build an additional plant in Wolfsburg Warmenau," the German carmaker said following a supervisory board meeting.
Instead, the Trinity project will be relocated to Volkswagen's Zwickau plant, which is presently grappling with reduced demand and undergoing a transition away from its longstanding three-shift production schedule, which has been in operation for over three decades.
The company also announced that its renowned Golf model will be at the forefront of the electric revolution at its primary Wolfsburg facility, which experienced a significant IT disruption earlier this week.
"Within the context of our performance program, this newly approved vehicle allocation plan will make a substantial contribution to a strong, competitive VW brand," said Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schaefer.