Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia Revive Bids for VW Plant

Volkswagen AG’s postponement of plans for a €1.3 billion factory in Turkey has prompted previous contenders to revive efforts to win the project.

VW said three days ago it was suspending its site choice for the $1.4 billion plant following sharp international criticism about Turkey’s invasion of Syria. VW indicated previously that the facility would begin production in 2022.

Bulgaria says it is ready to nearly double its offer of government subsidies to €260 million ($288 million)—the most possible under European Union competition rules—to attract the plant.

Romania and Serbia also are hoping to be reconsidered. All three countries were on VW’s list of possible locations. The carmaker also reportedly had considered sites in north Africa.

VW wants to build the plant with annual capacity to make 300,000 Skoda Superb and VW Passat midsize cars.