DÜSSELDORF/OSNABRÜCK (dpa-AFX) - Defense contractor Rheinmetall has ruled out a potential takeover of Volkswagen's Osnabrück plant. "Under the current circumstances, an acquisition of the Osnabrück facility is not on the table for Rheinmetall," a spokesperson stated in response to an inquiry from the Deutsche Presse-Agentur. The "Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung" had previously reported on the matter.
Volkswagen is currently seeking a new purpose for the site, as passenger car production there is scheduled to phase out in 2027. Düsseldorf-based Rheinmetall had long been considered the primary interested party. Its CEO, Armin Papperger, visited the factory a year ago to explore possibilities for further cooperation.
According to the Rheinmetall spokesperson, the site would have been suitable for the production of six-wheeled armored vehicles. "However, no additional capacity is currently required in this segment." In contrast, there is increased demand for eight-wheeled armored vehicles. To meet this need, Rheinmetall is instead expanding its capacities in Kassel.
Blume aims to decide on future by end of 2026
Only on Tuesday, VW CEO Oliver Blume announced that a decision regarding the future of the Osnabrück plant would be made by the end of 2026. At the same time, he confirmed that discussions with defense companies were indeed taking place.
Production of the Porsche models built in Osnabrück is ending this year, followed by the phase-out of the VW T-Roc Cabriolet in mid-2027. The plant employs approximately 2,300 people.
Osnabrück is Volkswagen's smallest plant. The site joined the VW Group in 2009 following the insolvency of Karmann. Prior to that, Karmann had served as a contract manufacturer for VW for decades./fjo/DP/nas
