September 6, 2007

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today issued the following statement on Volkswagen's presence in Michigan:

"We are grateful that so many Volkswagen jobs are staying in Michigan.  By choosing to continue their automotive and technology related functions here they will be retaining 600 of their employees in Michigan.  We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Volkswagen in the years to come."

Granholm met with Stefan Jacoby, incoming President and CEO of Volkswagen of America last evening.  In conversations and a formal letter to the Governor, Jacoby said Michigan is and will remain an important global center for the industry and Volkswagen.

"The strength of Michigan as a business center, and the support it provides to businesses operating there, are key reasons we decided to maintain important function in the State," Jacoby wrote.  "We will hope to increase our activity in Michigan in the future."

According to Jacoby, the company will have 600 employees and contractors in Michigan.  They are establishing a new U.S. headquarters in Northern Virginia with approximately 400 employees.  The operations and people remaining in Michigan include key financial and technical functions, which represent excellent jobs for the community from an economic perspective.

Jacoby acknowledged the Governor, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and Oakland County for a steady dialogue with his office on the company's business needs and for urging it to consider expansions in Michigan.

"You have made clear that Michigan is ready to put forward competitive economic proposals that could facilitate such investments," Jacoby wrote.

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