Volkswagen considers taking Nivus production to the South

Volkswagen Nivus
Photo: Jorge Lopes/EM/DA Press

Volkswagen is considering the possibility of expanding the model production line at its factory in São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, currently dedicated to the T-Cross. The idea is to produce the Volkswagen Nivus compact SUV at the plant, currently manufactured in São Bernardo do Campo (SP).

The automaker is studying whether it is viable and consulting suppliers, especially those linked to logistics services, about the possibilities. Two options are being considered:

1. Produce the Volkswagen Nivus entirely in Paraná, taking full advantage of the high level of parts sharing with the T-Cross. Both models are built on the modular MQB platform, which would facilitate the integration of Nivus into the existing production line;
2. Partial assembly of the bodies in São Paulo and then transported to Paraná, with completion of the assembly process in São José dos Pinhais.

Seen as a way to reduce the automaker’s idle capacity in Paraná, the addition of the Volkswagen Nivus to the production line would help to equalize the factory’s production costs. Due to a lack of parts and even adjustments in demand, the factory has faced shutdowns in recent years.

Nowadays, the São José dos Pinhais factory operates the Employment Protection Program, with a reduction in working hours and payroll, as a measure linked to the relationship between capacity and demand.

On the other hand, the Anchieta unit, in São Bernardo do Campo, boasts a variety of models in production, including the Volkswagen Nivus, Virtus, Polo GTS and Saveiro. The sharing of models between factories is part of a collective agreement made between the automaker and its workers, aiming to guarantee an equitable distribution of work.

Volkswagen is also preparing the Taubaté (SP) factory to produce a new compact SUV, known internally as project 246, while the possibility of a new pickup truck at the Paraná plant has been ruled out.

With an additional investment of R$9 billion in Brazil, Volkswagen plans to launch four new models, including the new pickup truck and electrified engines by 2028, as part of its plans for the Brazilian market.

Source: Automotive Business

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