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Hanover plant to build Microbus · 1,500 new jobs at Stöcken site · 5000 x 5000 model complete · Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder: all market studies positive · Bernd Wiedemann: entering new era · Günter Lenz: staff put up marvelous fight The decision has been taken: the Microbus will be built in Hanover. In the presence of several thousand employees, the management and Works Council today signed an agreement to build the new model. Speaking at the Stöcken site, Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder, Chairman of the Board of Management Volkswagen AG, said: "Having reviewed the economic requirements for building the Microbus in the Group, we have come to the conclusion that, based on the 5000 x 5000 project and a thorough restructuring of the Hanover site, the conditions are good."    Bernd Wiedemann, Spokesman of the Managing Body Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, commented: "This is a great day for Hanover. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is entering a new era."    The decision means 1,500 new jobs for the Hanover plant. These jobs will be created as part of the unique 5000 x 5000 labour model. Under this new concept, Volkswagen AG will employ a total of 5,000 persons for a gross wage of DM 5,000 (€ 2,556). The decision to create 3,500 new jobs to produce a minivan at the Wolfsburg plant was already taken last year.   Günter Lenz, Chairman of the Works Council Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: " The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles team put up a marvellous fight to win this vehicle. All our efforts have been rewarded. The decision shows that the Hanover site can hold its own in an international comparison of VW locations." Bernd Wiedemann thanked the Volkswagen AG Board of Management for the confidence it was placing in the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand: "The decision is a great challenge - a challenge we are very willing to accept."     By deciding to build the Microbus, Volkswagen has set its sights on a new segment - a MPV combining striking design and high functionality with the comfort of a limousine. Dr. Pischetsrieder emphasised that "with the Microbus, a legend begun some 50 years ago when the first VW bus left the production line here is now returning to Hanover. The VW bus was never just a means of transport, it has always been an emotive cult object. The public's reaction at motor shows combined with the findings of market studies already show us that the Microbus design has a spontaneous appeal, and that the vehicle will follow in the footsteps of its successful predecessor."     The Microbus concept car debuted at the Detroit Motor Show. The vehicle was also given an enthusiastic reception at the Tokyo, Geneva and Frankfurt Motor Shows. The Microbus was designed at the Volkswagen Design Studio in California. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles / Communications

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