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VW CrossblueA first-for-Tennessee research center that Volkswagen will erect in Chattanooga is expected to help the area woo more suppliers – and jobs – as companies will try to integrate their products to VW’s new parts designs.
Experts said Monday that the center revealed by VW, supported by 200 engineering-type positions, represents an evolution of the auto industry in Tennessee and ultimately means more high-paying, high-tech jobs.
“Tennessee is known for manufacturing automobiles but it hasn’t established the research and development process,” said Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam. “It’s a new day in Tennessee in terms of innovation.”