Volkswagen open to revive manufacturing line for military equipment

German automotive giant Volkswagen has announced plans to develop tactical capabilities for the German Armed Forces.

The initiative, disclosed by CEO Oliver Blume during an interview to the British The Telegraph, is expected to support Germany’s ongoing defense modernization efforts and strengthen its supply chain amid concerns over industrial dependence on the US.

Blume stated that the Wolfsburg-based company is open to expanding production capacity and exploring military-related ventures but has yet to receive formal proposals from potential collaborators.

“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.

“We are not in specific talks about what Volkswagen can do. My take on it is, if there was the option of military vehicles going forward, we would have to look at the concepts.”

If repurposed for military production, Volkswagen’s facilities could enhance equipment availability for German forces, complementing existing manufacturers such as Rheinmetall and KNDS, which have already allocated parts of their domestic factories for weapons production.

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

During World War II, Volkswagen redirected its manufacturing capabilities toward military vehicles, producing models such as the VW Type 82, commonly known as the Kübelwagen (Bucket Car). This light utility vehicle became the company’s most mass-produced military vehicle, with over 55,000 units delivered for use by Nazi Germany.

Among Volkswagen’s other wartime contributions was the Schwimmwagen, a light amphibious vehicle with more than 15,000 units produced.

According to Volkswagen, the company’s transition from military to civilian production began after American forces occupied its factory in April 1945. The British Military Government assumed control in June 1945, placing Volkswagen under trusteeship and instructing it to produce 20,000 saloon cars to meet post-war transport demands in occupied Germany.

By Nazrin Sadigova