35 years of VW Polo: Zwickau plant celebrates success and whirls up!
35 years of VW Polo: Zwickau plant celebrates success and whirls up!
On June 21, 2025, the VW plant in Zwickau celebrates a very special anniversary: 35 years ago, the first VW Polo ran off the assembly line. The first built polo was a steep rear with a 1.3-liter engine, 55 hp and in a radiant alpine white. Today the vehicle is considered a venerable museum piece and reminds many employees of the beginnings in the work in the Mosel district, where Trabant models were once produced. However, while you look back on the successes, there are also critical voices about the current situation of the workforce. In this context, an employee noticed that the days when nights were tapped and laughed for the night shift are long gone. Some colleagues terminated positively due to hard working conditions and short breaks, while others have a positive look at the possibilities that night and special layers offer. Many describe the last 35 years as an exciting and quick journey through the automotive history, which is characterized by remarkable successes.
However, the cheer also faces uncertainties. As reports [News38] (https://www.news38.de/wolfsburg/vw/article300532101/VW-MITWERKTWERK-ZWICK-Polo-s-news-neid-jubilaeum-er-work, the current VW crisis is worried about the future of the work. Despite these challenges, there is a combative optimism. So some employees commented together that they still look forward to the future of the work with hope. There are still orders and a fundamental confidence that is reflected in the conversations.
people behind the cars
Some of those who witnessed the problem history of Zwickau are Jörn Kaiser and Udo Friedrich. Both are experienced machine builders and body builders who installed Trabant models in Zwickau and Meerane before the turn. They were also involved in the new beginning in the 90s when they were switched to modern VW engines for production purposes and the Polo was manufactured in Zwickau. As reports MDR, the work has since changed through various ownership, including as a joint venture between VW and the industrial association Vehicle building (IFA). In 2020, the work fully transferred to fully electric vehicles, which included models such as ID.3, the Audi Q4 e-tron and others.
Jörn and Udo have installed all models at VW Saxony and experienced the change towards e-mobility up close. While Jörn emphasizes that the mood for some colleagues in relation to the future is not so good, Udo reports of a positive trend: younger people are enthusiastic about the new electrical models, while older generations still hold on to classic combustion vehicles. An interesting observation that shows how the opinions about the future of the mobile pedestal differ.
turning points for the automotive industry
Viewed in a larger context, the developments at VW in Zwickau also show how much the entire automotive industry is at a turning point. According to the Federal Center for Political Education, traffic and climate goals are becoming more and more relevant. Mobility is indispensable for many people, but urban is increasingly regarded the car. The question of how the environmental situation can be improved presents the automotive industry with challenges. With the 2015 diesel scandal, a point was reached where many questioned the social benefit of the car. The VW plant in Zwickau, with its long history, is now in the center of all these developments and has the opportunity to cleverly link the future and tradition.| Details | |
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| Ort | Zwickau, Deutschland |
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