VW Passat Production Ramps Up as Sales Continue to Soar

WEST WARWICK, R.I. (08/09/2012)(readMedia)-- When Volkswagen broke ground at the site of its Chattanooga, Tenn. assembly plant in 2008, it announced that 2,000 workers would be hired to build the next generation of its Passat. Now, with demand for the new VW Passat on the rise, the automaker has added a third shift team to the assembly line's busy schedule, expanding employment to more than 3,300 American workers in an effort to increase annual capacity to 180,000 units by next year.

Volkswagen completely redesigned the Passat for the 2012 model year, tailoring it to American tastes without diluting its precise German engineering. Based on sales reports alone, the new Volkswagen Passat has been a clear success, with year-to-date sales up 4,657 percent compared to the same time period in 2011. Last month, Volkswagen sold 9,007 Passats in the United States, a 661-percent increase year-over-year and a new July record for the model.

"To say the new Passat has been well received would be an understatement," said Michael Katsounakis, general manager of Rhode Island Volkswagen dealer Balise Volkswagen. "Thanks in large part to its redesign, the Passat went from being more of a niche model to a major force in the midsize sedan market, and with its outstanding style, comfort and fuel efficiency, there's no doubt that its rise will continue."

Benefiting from its recently redesigned models and efficient TDI clean-diesel lineup, Volkswagen is enjoying its best year-to-date sales in nearly four decades, up 34 percent through July year-over-year. The German automaker has sold 245,739 vehicles this year in the United States, including 84,185 Jettas and 64,072 Passats, confirming the popularity of Volkswagen's recently updated sedans.

Car buyers are finding a lot to like about the Passat after they leave dealership lots as well, according to the recently released J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. The American-made Volkswagen tied with the Kia Optima as the most appealing car in the Midsize Car category after more than 74,000 lessees and purchasers of 2012-model-year vehicles were surveyed about their first 90 days of ownership. Survey questions in the 2012 APEAL Study covered more than 80 vehicle attributes to determine how gratifying each model is to own.

Part of the Passat's appeal comes from its fuel-efficient drivetrains, which include its segment's only available diesel engine. The Passat TDI comes with a 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel engine that returns up to 43 mpg on the highway and 31 mpg in the city, making it a prime choice for commuters looking to avoid frequent trips to the gas pump. Even the Passat's standard 2.5-liter engine nets 32 mpg on the highway.

"Volkswagen has struck all the right chords with the Passat, and that has resulted in many satisfied drivers," noted Katsounakis. "The APEAL Study is important because it's based on the experiences of actual owners. It's one thing for a reviewer to like the Passat after a few days riding it, but buyers have spent their hard-earned money on the Passat and they've been pleased with their investment."

About Balise Volkswagen:

Located in West Warwick, R.I., Balise Volkswagen is dedicated to creating an unparalleled car-buying experience for area VW fans. Offering Volkswagen sales, service and parts in a no-pressure atmosphere, they carry the entire lineup of new VW models, including the Beetle, Passat, Jetta, Golf, CC, Eos, Routan Tiguan and Touareg. Balise Volkswagen not only has a vehicle for every lifestyle and budget, but also supports its customers long after their purchase with its expert team of service technicians. Visit their Rhode Island Volkswagen showroom at 525 Quaker Lane Route 2 in West Warwick or call them at 401-352-5912. They can also be found online at www.balisevolkswagenri.com or on Facebook.