U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander said here today that new U.S. trade talks with Europe over cutting tariffs could help Chattanooga’s Volkswagen plant and the state’s auto industry in general.
“It could mean thousands new jobs for Tennesseans,” Alexander said after meeting with a group of Chattanooga area business people.
The Republican from Tennessee cited the decision last year by Volkswagen to put a new Audi assembly plant in Mexico was partly driven by the tariff issue. Chattanooga had been in the mix for that plant, according to officials.
Alexander noted that Mexico has more favorable trade agreements with Brazil and Europe, helping to lower VW’s costs.
Alexander said that automaker Nissan, which has an assembly plant in Smyrna, Tenn., and an engine plant in nearby Decherd, Tenn., could benefit as well.
For full story, see Thursday’s Times Free Press.
Mike Pare, the deputy Business editor at the Chattanooga Times Free Press, has worked at the paper for 27 years. In addition to editing, Mike also writes Business stories and covers Volkswagen, economic development and manufacturing in Chattanooga and the surrounding area. In the past he also has covered higher education. Mike, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., received a bachelor’s degree in communications from Florida Atlantic University. he worked at the Rome News-Tribune before ...
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