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Friday, October 30, 2026Oct 30

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Vader makes Chattanooga appearance

photo Max Page, center, stands with Dr. Martin Winterkorn, left, and Frank Fischer Tuesday during opening ceremonies for the Volkswagen plant. Staff Photo by Angela Lewis/Chattanooga Times Free Press

Playing off its highly popular Super Bowl commercial, Volkswagen brought its mini Darth Vader to the official unveiling of its Chattanooga plant.

While officials waited to push a ceremonial red button to start production at the factory, 6-year-old Max Page, dressed in “Star Wars” garb, marched to the front of the big room set up for the dedication and filled with onlookers. Max played a young Darth Vader in the popular TV ad.

In Chattanooga, he utilized “the Force” to help officials press the button and open a large wall, showing off the inside of the plant and a large group of applauding VW workers.

After the ceremony, Max was surrounded by VW officials and others who had their photos taken with him and a new black Passat.

His mother, Jennifer Page, said the public attention her son has received since the commercial is “unbelievable.”