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Volkswagen to Turn Dresden’s Gläserne Manufaktur Into AI and Robotics Innovation Campus

A signed letter of intent launches a €50 million plan to shift the site from car assembly to research starting next year.

Overview

  • Volkswagen, the Free State of Saxony and TU Dresden signed a letter of intent to build an innovations campus focused on artificial intelligence, robotics, micro‑electronics and chip design.
  • Vehicle production ends at the close of 2025, dismantling of the ID.3 line starts in January 2026, first joint research projects are planned for mid‑2026 and regular operations are targeted for 2027.
  • More than €50 million will be invested over the coming years, with TU Dresden expected to use about half the space and Volkswagen keeping the remainder for deliveries, research and visitor experiences.
  • Employment is guaranteed through 2030 with no compulsory redundancies, and roughly 200–230 staff are offered redeployment options including moves to Zwickau, Chemnitz or Wolfsburg with a five‑figure relocation premium.
  • Key agreements and permits are still outstanding, including rental arrangements and a potential development‑plan change, and the city says no application has yet been submitted.