Škoda Auto CEO Klaus Zellmer has credited the decision to build the new Škoda Epiq at Volkswagen Navarra to the Landaben plant’s “capacity, quality and reasonable costs”. It is the first time a Škoda model destined for Western Europe has been produced outside Central Europe.
A structural decision, not a short-term one
Zellmer set out the reasoning behind the award at a press gathering held in Austria in early September, during the launch of the Epiq and Peaq models. He noted that the group’s Czech and Slovak plants “did not have the capacity” to take on the new urban EV, which brought Navarra to the front of the queue.
On costs, Zellmer was unequivocal: “the cost differences between Spanish plants and those in Slovakia and the Czech Republic are not significant”. He acknowledged that Navarra is “somewhat more expensive” on certain lines, but stressed that a direct comparison is difficult and pointed to the price of renewable electricity as a substantial Spanish advantage.
The Epiq in figures
Built on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB+ platform, the Epiq is an entry-level electric crossover with an expected starting price of around €25,000. Production began in June 2026 and shares lines at Landaben with the Volkswagen ID. Cross.
For 2026 as a whole, the plant is targeting 262,217 vehicles, of which some 37,400 are Epiq units and 24,291 ID. Cross units — meaning electric models will already account for 23.53% of total output.
Scaling up in 2027
The 2027 forecast puts production at between 360,000 and 380,000 vehicles, requiring a weekend shift staffed by 1,300 workers and 1,050 new direct hires. The knock-on effect for Navarra’s supplier base is estimated at a further 1,300 jobs.
The announcement follows a 2025 financial year in which Volkswagen Navarra invested €289.1 million — the highest annual figure in its 32-year history — recorded turnover of €3,488.8 million and posted an after-tax profit of €77.7 million. The plant accounts for 7.5% of Volkswagen’s worldwide output and 12.4% of all cars manufactured in Spain.
Why it matters
The choice of Landaben confirms that Navarra competes in the European premier league of electric mobility on industrial fundamentals — installed capacity, proven quality, competitive renewable energy and a mature supplier chain — rather than on short-term incentives. For international investors, it is about as strong a signal as there is: when a global group redraws its manufacturing map, Navarra is in the equation.
Source: Diario de Navarra