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CONTACT: Scott Wilson
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Volkswagen Awards Contract to Tennessee Company
Clinton, Tenn. Plant to Build Automatic Shifter Assembly
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (January 19, 2010) — SL America Corporation, located in Clinton, Tenn., has been awarded the contract to supply automatic shifter assemblies for Volkswagen Group in North America. The award is SL America’s first contract with the Volkswagen Group as Volkswagen expands its production presence in North America and identifies local supply opportunities.
SL America will be supplying the automatic shifter assemblies for both the new midsize sedan (NMS), set to begin production in 2011 in Chattanooga, as well as for production in Puebla. Both shifters will be manufactured in Tennessee.
“This is a win-win situation for Volkswagen and SL America,” said Thomas Loafman – Director of Purchasing for Volkswagen in Chattanooga, “We identified a world-class supplier for the NMS right here in Tennessee and at the same time were able to integrate them into the Volkswagen family to service our other plants and vehicles.”
Located just 116 miles from Volkswagen’s new Chattanooga facility, SL America produces gearshift systems, pedal assemblies and exterior lighting for several major automotive manufacturers.
“SL America worked very hard to pursue a partnership with Volkswagen, and the NMS was a perfect opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities and show Volkswagen that SL America could be both a viable local and global partner,” said SL America president, Y.K. Woo.
The NMS, which has been produced as a prototype and is currently in testing in Germany, is set to roll off the Chattanooga production line in mid-2011 for sale that fall as a 2012 model.
About Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, the world's third largest automaker and the largest carmaker in Europe. It houses the U.S. operations of a worldwide family of distinguished and exciting brands including Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Volkswagen, as well as VW Credit, Inc. Founded in 1955, the company's headquarters are in Herndon, Va.
Volkswagen Group of America brings to the U.S. vehicles that marry the science of engineering and the art of styling, with the goal of offering attractive, safe, and environmentally sound automobiles that are competitive and set world standards in their respective classes.
The company has approximately 2,500 employees in the United States and sells its vehicles through an 800-strong dealer network. With increasing popularity for its brands in the U.S., the company has set the goal of reaching one million car sales in the country by 2018.
For more information, visit www.volkswagengroupamerica.com.
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Scott Neal Wilson
Media & Community Relations
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Chattanooga Operations, LLC
605 Chestnut Street, Suite 1700
Chattanooga, TN 37450
Phone: +1-423-755-5847
Mobile: +1-423-580-5745
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