VW Zwickau celebrates 35 years of Polo production: A look into the future!

VW Zwickau celebrates 35 years of Polo production: A look into the future!

There is reason to celebrate at the Volkswagen plant in Zwickau: the first VW Polo rolled off the assembly line 35 years ago. The anniversary on July 8, 2025 is not only a look back at a remarkable success story, but also an opportunity to shed light on the development of the plant and its challenges. The first Polo, a hatchback model with a 1.3 liter engine and 55 hp in bright alpine white, is now considered a sought-after museum piece. The employees who witnessed the beginnings nostalgically remember the time in the Mosel district when Trabant models also left the production lines.

Jörn Kaiser and Udo Friedrich, both of whom have worked at the factory for many years, were previously employed at VEB Sachsenring and were there when the Trabant 1.1 with a VW engine and the Polo were produced in Zwickau. “It was an exciting feeling to be part of a new beginning,” said Udo. Since VW Sachsen GmbH was founded in December 1990, not only production has changed, but also the demands placed on the workforce. In addition to popular models such as the Golf and Passat, only fully electric vehicles such as the ID.3 and ID.4 have been manufactured since 2020.

From the Trabant to the electric Polo

But the journey wasn't always easy. In the first few years, employees had to contend with short breaks and harsh conditions. Some left the company, while others stuck to the night shifts, as a colleague reports: “Our hearts were attached to it.” Jörn and Udo assembled all models at VW Sachsen and experienced the switch to e-mobility first hand. Even if the mood among some colleagues regarding the future is not optimal, there are no signs of panic. “The orders are there,” says Jörn optimistically.

The switch to electromobility is not only a technical change, but also a cultural one. Younger employees are showing great interest in the new models, while some older generations still mourn the good old combustion engines. “We have mixed feelings, but we are hopeful about the future,” adds Udo.

The future of mobility

Volkswagen relies on a wide range of electric cars, starting with the ID. family. Since its launch in 2020, over 500,000 vehicles in this range have been sold worldwide. The goal is to achieve at least 70% of sales in Europe with purely electric cars by 2030. “This is part of the comprehensive sustainability strategy, which also includes the expansion of the charging infrastructure,” explains a company spokesman. The measures include the use of renewable energies in production and the development of innovative technologies such as solid-state batteries for shorter charging times.

Despite the challenges posed by the VW crisis, the workforce and company management remain optimistic. In conclusion, it can be said that the VW Zwickau plant is well positioned with its long tradition and bold steps into e-mobility. Not only is the history of polo celebrated, but also the future of mobility, which will be visible to everyone in Zwickau.

For further information on this topic, please visit News38, MDR and eMobil-Magazin.