The Government of Navarra disclosed plans for a new battery assembly facility for electric vehicles to be constructed on the Landaben factory site, a major development for the regional economy and the automotive ecosystem. The project centers on transforming the Landaben site into a key hub for electrification, aligning with Navarra’s broader strategy to attract high value manufacturing and advanced battery production within northern Spain.
On a Wednesday at the Palacio de Navarra, the regional head of government, María Chivite, presided over a briefing with Volkswagen Navarra’s executive team to review the details of the new company project and the preliminary design of the forthcoming facility. The purpose of the meeting was to provide a comprehensive update on the project, clarify the timelines, and outline the government’s role in supporting the venture. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the session also explored the potential incentives and the financing framework that Navarra has prepared for Volkswagen Navarra to leverage as the project advances.
The Government of Navarra confirmed the existence of a financial framework and indicated that the responsible Volkswagen Navarra team could draw on available assistance to support the development and construction phases. This included guidance on funding options, grants, and other subsidies that are commonly coordinated through regional economic programs aimed at boosting industrial scale projects and stimulating regional employment. The objective is to ensure the investment proceeds smoothly while meeting the region’s strategic priorities.
In the disclosed plan, the electrification of the Volkswagen plant was highlighted as a central component of Navarra’s regional interest project. However, it was clarified that the production of electric vehicle models within Landaben was not part of the immediate scope of the regional project approved by the Government of Navarre. The Special Provincial Administration issued a formal statement to confirm the decision and to delineate the boundaries of the project in its early stage. The emphasis remains on establishing the battery assembly capability and related infrastructure as a foundational step toward a broader electrification strategy.
The executive meeting also featured a high-profile lineup, including the President and Minister responsible for Universities, Innovation and Digital Transformation. Other attendees from the administration included the General Manager of Foral Treasury, Juan Cruz Cigudosa, the General Manager of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Óscar Martínez de Bujanda, Presidential Cabinet Director Miguel Moreno, Alicia Erdoğan, and Presidential Advisor Xabi Casimiro. The Volkswagen Navarra delegation was led by David García, the Director of Planning Engineering, accompanied by Kai Feuerherdt, Director of Human Resources, Paco Guerrero, the Project Management Manager, Asier Martorell, Director of Infrastructure Planning, and Juan Fernández, who manages the battery factory project. Their presence underscored the collaborative approach between regional authorities and the automotive group as they align on the site’s development, labor planning, and the deployment of the new battery manufacturing capability.
Across the discussions, the parties examined the operational milestones, the design parameters for the facility, and the anticipated impact on local supply chains and workforce development. The dialogue emphasized Navarra’s commitment to fostering a climate where advanced manufacturing can thrive, bringing skilled employment and long-term sustainability to the region. The plan will be refined further as engineering studies advance, with ongoing coordination between Volkswagen Navarra and regional authorities to ensure compliance with environmental, urban planning, and economic objectives.