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Volkswagen Open to Manufacturing Military Vehicles for German Armed Forces

Mar 12, 2025 14:58

2 min read

Authors: Amira Barkhush
Author

Several people stop to look at a Volkswagen Type 181 car, probably at an auto show, early 1970s. The car was marketed in the United States as a Volkswagen “Thing.” (Source: Getty Images)

Volkswagen has expressed willingness to explore manufacturing equipment for the German military as part of Europe’s rearmament efforts, The Telegraph reported on March 11.

Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume stated that while the company has not yet received specific requests from potential defense partners, it is open to considering the production of military vehicles and other equipment.

In an interview, Blume emphasized that Volkswagen possesses strong automotive expertise and is ready to provide consultation and technical support if needed.

“First off, I think, given the current geopolitical situation, what we are seeing now in Germany and Europe is exactly the right decisions, in the sense that we need to invest more in order to be safe again,” Blume said in an interview on March 11.

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Europe’s largest automaker has a history in defense manufacturing. Bloomberg stated that, in addition to producing armored vehicles for the Nazis during World War II, Volkswagen later developed and built the Volkswagen Type 181 for the West German Army.

“We did that in the past. Volkswagen Group has automotive competence. We are ready to provide consultancy and advice,” the CEO added.

In early March, European nations announced plans to invest over €800 billion ($842 billion) in defense, marking the highest military expenditures in the European Union’s decades-long history.

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for increased European defense spending, stating that Europe’s future “should not be decided in Washington or Moscow.”