Although there are still no details about the next generation of the e-Crafter, which is set to enter the market in 2028 in the so-called "Space" family and is likely to be developed again in cooperation with Ford and its Transit successor. However, it remains unclear which manufacturer will take the technical lead on this project. The old e-Crafter was based on the e-Golf's drivetrain technology and was discontinued in July 2022 after its replacement by the VW ID.3. But on the factory side, the manufacturer is already laying the groundwork.
The Volkswagen Poznań plant in Września, which will celebrate its tenth anniversary next year, is to receive two new halls for the production of the next generation of the fully electric Crafter as part of the further electrification of the product range.
"The plant in Września is one of the most modern plants in the Volkswagen Group and the only site where we produce the Crafter and the MAN TGE. Therefore, the expansion of production for the upcoming generation of our fully electric Crafter is the next logical step in the electrification of our offering. This new electric generation will further strengthen our position in
the commercial vehicle segment," explains Stefan Mecha, CEO of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand.
The plant belongs to Volkswagen Poznań, where for more than 30 years commercial vehicles have been produced in Wielkopolska. The associated plant in Września was founded in 2016 and is one of the most modern in Europe. In Poznań, the City-Van Caddy was produced; in Września the Crafter and its sister model the MAN TGE.
Expansion of the plant: new body-in-white hall and battery storage
Volkswagen Poznań is reportedly in possession of all the necessary permits to begin the expansion at the plant. The groundbreaking for the new halls is planned for November 2025. The start of the advanced construction work is planned for the first quarter of the coming year, with completion expected in 2027.
"The decision to expand the Września plant is of strategic importance for the entire company. It is also an important step toward e-mobility at Volkswagen Poznań. As part of the investment, a modern body-in-white hall and a battery storage facility will be created, tailored to the production requirements of the new generation of the electric Crafter. In this way, we strengthen our position as a manufacturer
of modern vehicles and increase employment security for the future," explains Stefanie Hegels, chairwoman of the board of Volkswagen Poznań.
The total area of the Września plant covers around 220 hectares. It relies largely on automated processes with over 1,300 robots in production and the use of AI-based quality systems. Currently, Volkswagen Poznań employs around 9,000 employees and is thus the largest employer in Greater Poland.
"The decision to expand this plant is a clear signal to our employees – the production of electric vehicles of the new generation is an important step in competency development, which will help secure jobs in the future," says Piotr Olbryś, chairman of the Solidarność union at Volkswagen Poznań.
Marzena Pillich-Gronska, director of the Września plant, points to another important aspect: the environment. "The expansion of the plant is not only an investment in new infrastructure and competencies, but also a clear signal: the future of mobility can be sustainable, highly modern and at the same time locally rooted," emphasizes Pillich-Gronska.
Green energy instead of coal for the plants
Already today the Września plant, like all other Volkswagen plants in Poland, is powered 100 percent by green energy. In addition,
energy is used from its own photovoltaic installation. The installation with a capacity of 18.3 MW covers around 25 percent of the plant's annual electricity needs. Under favorable weather conditions, the installation provides 100 percent of the energy required to operate the factory.
"The automotive industry is of crucial importance to the Polish economy: It accounts for eight percent of Poland's GDP, which amounted to 3.641 trillion zlotys last year, and directly employs more than 200,000 people," explains Jakub Faryś, chairman of the Polish Automotive Industry Association.
It is assumed that one job in the automotive industry can create up to seven additional jobs in related sectors—from suppliers to logistics, Faryś continues.
Volkswagen has been playing a decisive role for the development of Września and the entire municipality for years, says Artur Mokracki, acting mayor of Września. Thanks to the factory that was established almost ten years ago, the town has gained more residents, and tax revenues have risen.
"The decision to expand the plant and to produce a new generation of the Crafter shows that Września is a place where economy and innovation go hand in hand with responsibility toward the community and the environment,"
