Press Releases
04 September 2009
Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations Announces Tobacco-Free Campus
Company continues "Green from the Start" philosophy with tobacco-free work environment
Chattanooga, Tenn. — Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, LLC today announced that its Tennessee production facility will be completely tobacco-free. Implementing a tobacco-free work environment is the latest demonstration of Volkswagen's commitment to a clean, healthy environment.
"Volkswagen Group of America is dedicated to being a 'green plant,' and that includes providing a safe, clean, and healthy work environment for all employees, contractors and visitors," said Hans-Herbert Jagla, Executive Vice President of Human Resources, Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, LLC. "We believe that a tobacco-free workplace is essential to a healthy workforce."
Consumption of tobacco or tobacco products – including cigarettes and chewing tobacco – will be prohibited on or within any company property or in any company facility. Employees will enjoy smoke-free and tobacco-free offices, grounds, sidewalks, parking lots, streets and company vehicles. Volkswagen will continue to provide smoking cessation assistance to employees.
Volkswagen Group of America Inc. will invest $1 billion in the local economy for the Chattanooga plant and create 2,000 direct jobs in the region. According to studies, the new Volkswagen plant is expected to generate $12 billion in income growth and an additional 9,500 jobs over the life of the project.
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.
