Volkswagen's plant in Martin, north-central Slovakia, is undergoing a transformation that could shift its activities from passenger-car components to the assembly of chassis parts for MAN. Volkswagen Slovakia spokeswoman Lucia Kovarovič Makayová confirmed the development to the TASR news agency on 23 September 2026, describing the cooperation with its sister company as a potential arrangement. No details have been disclosed on the financial terms, timetable or corporate structure of the operation. The news first emerged in mid-September in My Turiec, the regional edition of the Sme newspaper. Citing its own sources, the publication reported that Volkswagen could gradually withdraw from the site by 2030, with MAN taking over production and redirecting it towards components for trucks and buses. In its response to Sme, Volkswagen Slovakia did not present MAN's arrival as a final decision, but confirmed that the option was under consideration. The 2030 timeframe remains based on the newspaper's sources and does not appear in the company's statements.
The Martin plant has been operating for more than 25 years, with the group investing more than €320 million at the site. The factory manufactures transmission and chassis components for passenger cars, producing around 21.6 million parts in 2025, and employs about 700 people. MAN is part of Volkswagen's commercial vehicle division, meaning the operation would remain within the group. Volkswagen Slovakia said the transformation is aimed at making more efficient use of production capacity and supporting employment stability in the region. The spokeswoman added that the company is in direct contact with employees, that the process involves internal procedures and that it is too early to disclose further details. She identified workforce flexibility as one of the most important factors for employees.
Different reports are circulating over the employment impact. Denník E, citing several industry sources, reports that several hundred jobs could be at risk and that wages may be reduced. It adds that Volkswagen and MAN are seeking to retain employment for all staff. Pravda, meanwhile, reports that current passenger-car component production could be transferred to lower-cost locations, with China expected to play a significant role, and links the move to the group's global cost-cutting programme. These are media reports that have not been confirmed by the company: Volkswagen Slovakia says its objective is to preserve jobs. Trade unions have announced individual talks with each employee, during which workers will have to decide whether to seek another position with their current employer or accept an offer from the new MAN group investor.
P.R.
