SVW expands to third site

Shanghai Volkswagen, which makes China's most popular cars, is to shift produc-tion of its Santana model to
Yizheng, Jiang-su province. The move will free space at its original Shanghai site to make
new models such as the Gol, the Touareq sports utility vehicle and the Golf. More than 2m
Santana ears have been sold in China since the model was introduced in 1985. Few
changes to the original model have since heen made, but this year SVW is introducing a
retractable sun roof and power steering. The Yizheng plant employs about 2,000 workers
and currently produces the Sabre model, a four-seat pick-up whose chassis is based on
GM's Opel Combo.
Volkswagen also plans to assemble its T4 light commercial vehicle
at its joint venture with First Auto Works in Changchun, Jilin province, the Financial Times
said.