VW Up! production confirmed in Slovakia; 400,000 Up’s annually

Posted on 06/03/2009

The VW Up!, which some say could have the same impact on Europe as the iconic Beetle, will be produced in Devinska Nova Ves, Slovakia starting 2011. The production facility will be fueled with $847 million to tower it up for a 400,000 car annual roll out capacity. The investment creates job opportunities for some 1,500 people.

The VW Up! concept was shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in 2007, during which it was made official that the low-cost VW would end up in emerging markets around Europe and Asia. Due to the economic meltdown and recession affecting many parts of the world, VW was forced to shelf the project.

The picture is clearer for VW now. Economies have shown encouraging signs and the demand for small and fuel efficient vehicles are more.

The VW Up! will be followed by the VW Space Up!, a variant which shares the former's platform.