by VW Resumes Chattanooga Plant Production; Green-Machine 2021 Atlas
WEDF-TV reports VW is ramping up production at its Chattanooga plant starting May 17. VW halted output on March 21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
VW says it and its suppliers must take new precautions. Anyone entering its plant must take a temperature check. Employees and contractors get fresh mandatory-to-wear face masks every day. Gloves are available. Plant disinfecting is robust. Fresh air circulation is better. Doors are propped open to reduce touchpoints.
Virus protection measures extend to the work floor where physical distancing is encouraged. Staggered break times reduce large gatherings. Those who can work remotely will continue to do so. VW erected partitions within the plant and its signature entrance bridge to cut virus spread.
Meanwhile, VW orchestrated news for its existing and future customers. Current owners, whose vehicle warranties expire during March or May get three months extended coverage. This applies to both certified pre-owned and the new vehicle warranties. It’s part of VW’s Community Driven Promise campaign.
The other measure is VW product updates. Since it cannot stage crowded media events, VW’s executives provide tidbits via emails about the next-generation GTI and 2021 Atlas.
Let’s examine the Atlas’ finish first. VW paints its big wagon Racing Green, a new color described as a sophisticated statement. Sorry fans, striking Kumara Yellow is out. VW says a four-year process with input from employees led to this discreet dark-green machine.
VW claims its new metallic paint pays homage to British Racing Green, which evolved from national colors used to identify vehicles during early 20th century motoring competitions such as the Gordon Bennett Trophy. While the color is similar to a 1990s Passat hue, it’s applied in a single pipeline, which reduces cost. Other designer colors include Aurora Red Chroma. It gets an additional top coat for a deeper, richer look.