35 years VW Polo in Zwickau: A look back at glorious times!

35 years VW Polo in Zwickau: A look back at glorious times!

In the VW plant Zwickau, an important anniversary was celebrated on July 6, 2025: 35 years ago, the first polo rolled off the assembly line. The first polo built in Zwickau was a real classic. At that time as a steep rear with a 1.3-liter engine and 55 hp in bright alpine white, it is now an estimated museum piece. The memories of the early days in the Moselle district come to life with the employees, to be removed from the time, as well as Trabant models along the production lines, such as news38.de reported.

Jörn Kaiser and Udo Friedrich, both decades of work, look back on an eventful time. Before the turn, they assembled Trabants in Zwickau and Meerane and were thrilled to be able to be part of the new start in the VW plant. "The first VW Polo ran off the assembly line on May 21, 1990," says Udo and emphasizes the development of the work from a joint venture between VW and the Vehicle Building (IFA) industrial association to VW Sachsen GmbH in December 1990 MDR.

autumn of the challenges

Not only successes shape the history of the work. With the switch to fully electric vehicles since 2020, a crucial step into the future has been taken. Among other things, the popular models ID.3, ID.4 and Audi Q4 e-tron are created here. However, Jörn and Udo emphasize that the mood in the workforce is mixed. Orders are still available, but the uncertainties in the industry are noticeable. Both are clear: the generation change brings other expectations of the automobile, and the development towards electromobility requires a positive view of the future, according to the assessment of MDR.

The work has mastered many challenges and the workforce remains optimistic, even if the current conditions are more difficult. The historical review also shows deeper insights into the world of work of the employees. In earlier times, many had to work hard, often under difficult conditions, and there were always discussions about wages and working hours. Some employees left the company due to the separation of family and exhausting shift work. Nevertheless, some colleagues formulated how pleasant it was on the other side of the night and special shifts- "our heart was tuned", an employee is quoted, and confirms the pride of what was done together.

The future in digital change

In order to survive on the highly competitive automotive market, digitization is an indispensable part of the strategy. Over 40 % of automotive value creation is now no longer necessary. This development requires adjustments to the manufacturers and dealers' business models. In particular, new assistance systems and digital services that support the driver are becoming increasingly important. The future of car sharing and alternative mobility solutions is also a challenge, because buyers should also be taken seriously as a customer with their wishes. As found on [blog.telekom-mms.com] (https://blog.telekom-mms.com/tech-insights/die-zukun-der- automobile industrial industrial industry), it is expected that added value is increasingly being postponed from traditional products to data-based business models.

Overall, the VW plant Zwickau remains a symbol of change and adaptability in the automotive industry, while employees are looking into the future full of hopes and are proud of their history. Despite all the uncertainties, they believe in the continued existence of the work and are ready for the challenges that digital change brings.