"Since coming to Chattanooga in 2008, Volkswagen and Chattanooga have enjoyed a successful partnership based on environmental sustainability and 21st Century manufacturing – a partnership that personifies the best values of our great city. As one of the largest employers for District 3, I look forward to watching the dedicated workforce at the Chattanooga plant build the new SUV that will help Volkswagen compete and win globally."
Commissioner Tim Boyd representing Hamilton County District 8 said, "I am absolutely thrilled Volkswagen is going to build the new crossover SUV in Chattanooga. This long awaited announcement is testimony to the vision and hard work of many people. Most especially we thank Governor Bill Haslam and his administration for arranging the terms to provide the ideal economic climate for Volkswagen to manufacture vehicles and our citizens to have great jobs. Our Mayors Jim Coppinger and Andy Berke, and the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce have worked tirelessly to coordinate our local efforts with the Governor's staff, and to all I say thank you.
"Today's announcement builds on the wonderful progress established over the previous years. Beginning with then Governor Lamar Alexander, and now Senator, who inspired the vision of Tennessee becoming a leader in automotive manufacturing, and continuing with Senator Bob Corker who keeps in close contact with VW's administration on events surrounding Chattanooga, and the economic health and prosperity VW brings to our community.
"We must continue to provide the business and labor climate which continues to build on the great economic development the region is enjoying. Such progress is simply not a matter of luck, but a result of sound leadership, foresight, planning, outreach and negotiation. I will continue to aggressively support State policies which support job development and look forward to continued work with like minded individuals to assure the momentum for job creation is not lost.
"Volkswagen's announcement sets the stage for $600,000,000 of investment in Hamilton County, adding 2000 new jobs and the establishment of an automotive research and development center employing 200 research engineers. This investment in our community sends a strong message that Volkswagen is committed to our community, and the spin off jobs created could easily surpass the number jobs directly created by VW. I am very excited for all of the citizens of Hamilton County and especially those of District 8 which is geographically positioned to benefit enormously by this decision of Volkswagen to expand production.
"Congratulations to all of the public officials who labored long and hard to make this decision a reality. We now owe it to ourselves to keep advancing forward to make Hamilton County, Tennessee the best choice in America to live, work and play."
Congressman Chuck Fleischmann released the following statement:
“The announcement of Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant expansion and the creation of more the 2,000 new jobs is outstanding news not just for Chattanooga and Hamilton County, but for all of Tennessee. Chattanooga has been and will continue to be a prime business destination for national and international brands thanks to our strong workforce and Tennessee’s business friendly environment. I greatly appreciate Volkswagen’s commitment to Chattanooga, and am grateful for the economic impact it will continue to have in Tennessee.”
Senator Lamar Alexander said, “Volkswagen’s decision confirms Tennessee’s status as the most attractive state for new auto jobs. Congratulations to Volkswagen workers, Governor Haslam and Senator Corker.”
Representative Ron Travis (R–Dayton) announced his full support for the expansion of Volkswagen’s manufacturing facility.
He said, “I am very excited that Volkswagen has decided to expand their operation in Chattanooga. This announcement will stimulate economic growth for the area and create much needed jobs.
“I fully support the expansion efforts by Volkswagen in this region and am here to do all I can to continue the great relationship that our community has with this company."
Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Roy Herron said, “$600 million in new investment and over 2,000 new jobs is a huge economic boon for Chattanooga and Tennessee. We commend the management and workers at Volkswagen as well as Mayor Berke and other city and county leaders who persevered and brought these jobs despite Republican threats, attacks, and interference with the rights of this company and its workers.”