Defense giant Rheinmetall is no longer interested in Volkswagen's vehicle plant in Osnabrück. "Under the current conditions, a takeover of the Osnabrück plant is not an option for Rheinmetall," a spokesperson announced on Thursday. The facility had been considered by Rheinmetall for the production of 6x6 wheeled armored vehicles. However, no additional capacity is currently required. "To meet the increased demand for the Boxer 8x8 wheeled armored vehicle, Rheinmetall is expanding its capacity in Kassel," the spokesperson added.

The Wolfsburg-based automaker has extended production of the T-Roc Cabriolet in Osnabrück until 2027. However, the future of the factory and its approximately 2,300 employees remains uncertain beyond that date. Volkswagen stated that the group is currently evaluating how the Osnabrück site can be utilized once T-Roc Cabriolet production comes to an end.

(Report by Matthias Inverardi, edited by Ralf Banser. For inquiries, please contact our editorial office at berlin.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com (for politics and economics) or frankfurt.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com (for companies and markets).)