The "Glass" VW Factory in Dresden

[GTaudiophile]

I wish our domestics tried to build factories like this...

Then again, the Phaeton was a failure, and the factory is arguably more about government-sponsored show than anything.

But at least it's cool.

 

[Chunkee]

Cool.

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
I wish our domestics tried to build factories like this...

It'd be funny to put one of those smack in the middle of Detroit. Graffiti artists would have a field day.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: rh71

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
I wish our domestics tried to build factories like this...

It'd be funny to put one of those smack in the middle of Detroit. Graffiti artists would have a field day.

Better be damn sure it's bullet-proof glass.

 

[PricklyPete]

Beautiful plant...awesome car...well that's about it.

 

[The Boston Dangler]

i want to know how much that factory cost.

 

[Fenixgoon]

that's an incredible factory

 

[GTaudiophile]

Funny thing is, I bet that factory is nearly 100% sustainable too.

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Robotic sleds, induction powered tools, hardwood floor? That facility must have cost a fortune. Cool as hell though.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Like others said, that thing had to cost a ton. Maybe they plan on making a decent amount of cash from tourism.

Pretty cool idea, though - I'd love to be able to step inside and see what my car went through before I bought it.

 

[cheesehead]

Meh.

Real cars are made in huge concrete warehouses full of sparks, ozone, and little electric trolleys towing huge carts of solvents.

 

[PCMarine]

I worked at GM's most advanced assembly plant (or close to it) in Lansing where they assemble their line of crossovers. They had a very similar setup with lifts, robotic carriers (called automatic guided vehicles, AGVs), and other mechanical assists. After all, there are only so many ways you can build a car. The GM plant was nowhere near as beautiful as that VW facility, however.

What the video didn't show was the stamping, welding (body shop), and painting (paint shop). I bet the parts are stamped and welded in a dark, dirty warehouse outside of town and shipped in where they can be fitted with powertrains and trim.