(ANSA) - BELGRADE, DEC 17 - The PowerCo factory in Salzgitter, Lower Saxony, Germany, was officially opened today. For the first time, Volkswagen brands will have their battery cells designed, developed, and produced entirely in Europe. The company announced the inauguration, and Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume emphasised the factory's European focus: "We were the first European car manufacturer to develop and manufacture battery cells ourselves." 2This improves our standing and independence in global competition," he noted. (ANSA).