BERLIN (AP) -- Volkswagen says it's seeking to use more locally acquired parts in its auto production in North America.
CEO Martin Winterkorn told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung daily newspaper for its Monday edition that it's not enough to produce cars in North America, but "we also need to get parts and components from there." He said the company now buys 70 to 80 percent of such parts in the area.
He said VW is planning to make a Jetta developed for the U.S. that will sell for about $16,000, as well as a Passat station wagon for about $20,000. VW is hiring 2,000 employees at its $1 billion plant in Chattanooga, Tenn., to begin building the new Jetta mid-sized sedan starting in 2011. The German automaker formally opened its training academy at the site in June. The plant will have an annual capacity of 150,000 vehicles.
Winterkorn said VW is looking to quickly replace its U.S. chief, Stefan Jacoby, who will move on to head Volvo.
