To meet the internationalization challenges of the brand, Volkswagen Truck & Bus has just inaugurated its new Export Center. Located near the Resende factory, in Brazil, the facility consolidates the entire operation for shipping semi-knocked down (SKD) vehicles, which will be completed at three brand units abroad. Last year, the company achieved its best performance in this category, and this initiative aims to significantly expand operational efficiency and logistics capacity.
According to Adolpho Bastos, Vice President of Production and Logistics at VWTB, the inauguration of this center represents more than a physical expansion: it is a symbol of the commitment to logistics excellence and strengthening the company's presence abroad. "We are prepared to serve our customers anywhere in the world with agility and quality. Our teams work in an integrated manner, identifying the demands of the countries where we are present and delivering exactly what the market seeks," states the executive.
With more than 3,000 square meters, the new area was designed to optimize the export process of SKD kits, which are parts of the same vehicle sent for final assembly in factories located in other countries such as: Argentina, Mexico, and South Africa. "Production in Brazil is carried out based on requests previously made by importers, ensuring that each unit has already been negotiated in the destination market even before its manufacture," explains Marco Macedo, Export Logistics and xKD Supervisor.
After confirmation, orders are scheduled on the Volkswagen Truck & Bus assembly line and each component receives specific identification, ensuring traceability and organization throughout the entire production process. At this stage, even the smallest items necessary for assembly are considered, such as screws, nuts, and clips, for example, thus guaranteeing compliance of the materials used according to the brand's quality parameters. Next, the parts are grouped into kits according to the model specification, packaged and allocated in containers, which are shipped to the destination country.
"In July 2025, the first export from the new area was carried out, heading to the factory in Querétaro, Mexico. The operation included a shipment of 22 units of the Constellation 26.320 model and had logistical support from partner MTC LOG. This is an important achievement for VWTB, symbolizing the beginning of a new phase of international operations and expansion aspirations," adds the supervisor.
Investments
As part of the investment, the facility was equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including machinery, intelligent storage systems and in full compliance with standards required by Brazil's Federal Revenue Service for AEO-certified exporters. Among the equipment, electric forklifts with lithium batteries, automated machines for product packaging, and sustainability-focused solutions stand out, such as presence sensors that adjust lighting intensity according to room occupancy.
In 2024, the company registered outstanding performance with a record number of exported kits and intends to maintain this growth pace. Currently, in addition to Mexico, the automaker is qualified to serve production at the factory in Argentina, as well as orders from partner operations in South Africa and the Philippines, always in compliance with the needs of each segment. This structure reinforces the company's ability to adapt to requirements, ensuring adherence to quality standards and agility in international distribution processes