Volkswagen is beefing up positions at its Chattanooga production facility to increase output from 31 to 35 cars per hour. The jobs will be integrated into the company’s current two-shift operation and filled by full-time Volkswagen employees.

“We have had good success hiring local people who can work together as a team to build our cars safely and with the highest quality,” said Hans-Herbert Jagla, Executive Vice President of Human Resources, Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, LLC. “Now, we are excited to have 200 more people join our team.”

Click here for more news on the Volkswagen Passat.

The move comes as Volkswagen tries to keep up with strong demand of the new Passat sedan.

The plant currently employs 2,500 people. Volkswagen is aiming to add another 200 employees.

Refresher: The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is offered in three trim levels, S SE and SEL. Entry-level 2012 Passat models are powered by a 2.5L 5-cylinder engine making 170-hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Standard transmission choice include a 5-speed manual while an optional 6-speed automatic is available. Moving up, buyers can pick a 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel 4-cylinder unit making 140-hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission, the 2012 Passat TDI gets 43 mpg on the highway and a range of approximately 800 miles. The range-topping 2012 Volkswagen Passat is powered by a 3.6L VR6 units producing 280-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG, the 2012 Passat VR6 will get 28 mpg on the highway. Prices will start around $19,995.

- By: Omar Rana

Volkswagen has been working on a new global platform that will underpin a large variety of their models. And as a part of these efforts to streamline manufacturing and assembly to help cut production costs, reports are saying that the “people’s car” make will be expanding the Passat’s lineup.

The new up and coming platform is internally coded the MQB platform and was first introduced on the new Audi A3, which will see its full unveiling at the Geneva Auto Show next month.

So far, the plans are to offer a range of Passat variants including the regular sedan, a wagon, the CC four-door coupe, and the new Alltrack variant (think Passat version of the Audi A6 All-Road Quattro).

“MQB definitely provides more opportunities for us,” said VW’s marketing chief, Stefan Buhrmann, in an interview. “With the Passat, we can offer many different designs and wheelbases, and can be much more flexible with engines.”

In the same interview, Buhrmann said that Volkswagen is also still working on a Phaeton successor. But few details were exposed.

“We don’t see the Phaeton as a one-time event,” he added. “We work on every project and want to grow the Phaeton.”

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoCarUK

The 2012 North American Car and Truck of the year finalists have been revealed, at the Automotive Press Association luncheon in Detroit. After being voted on by a group of 50 full-time automotive journalists, finalists in each segment have been revealed.

In order to be eligible for the award, North American vehicles must be new models or existing models that have undergone significant change

Last year, the North American Car of the Year went to the Chevrolet Volt, and the North American Truck of the Year was the Ford Explorer. This year’s winners will be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show next month.

Let us know what you’re pick is.

Check out the complete list of finalists after the jump.

2012 North American Car of the Year Finalists:
• Ford Focus
• Hyundai Elantra
• Volkswagen Passat

2012 North American Truck of the Year Finalists:
• BMW X3
• Honda CR-V
• Range Rover Evoque

- By: Alexandra Koken

In the UK, the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack will be available with a 2.0 liter TDI making 138-hp mated to a 6-speed manual or a 2.0 liter TDI making 167-hp with a 6-speed DSG transmission.

The model comes standard with an Alcantara upholstery, 2Zone electronic climate control, cruise control, tire pressure monitoring system, MDI iPod connectivity, Bluetooth telephone preparation and 18-inch alloys.

Should Volkswagen offer the Passat Alltrack in the United States? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

Sixty-two years in, Motor Trend’s Car of the Year Award is a prestigious and honorable one. This year, Motor Trend announced that its car of the year is the Volkswagen Passat live at a Volkswagen press conference at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.

The German brand’s American-made Passat topped 34 other new or completely redesigned models, more in competition than previous years. Qualifying factors for the award encompass real-world driving, track-based driving, and handling evaluations. The six sets of criteria they seek are: Advancement in Design, Engineering Excellence, Efficiency, Safety, Value and Performance of Indented Function.

“The well-equipped Passat is a breakthrough car for Volkswagen, as it has been designed to suit the North American market and is being built in a brand-new, state-of-the-art assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tenn.,” said Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief, Angus MacKenzie. “It has one of the roomiest interiors in its class, a wide choice of powertrains and a well-tuned chassis. A compelling new entry in the toughest, most competitive vehicle segment in the U.S. today, it’s a terrific all-around family sedan.”

Click here for more news on the Volkswagen Passat.

Refresher: The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is offered in three trim levels, S SE and SEL. Entry-level 2012 Passat models are powered by a 2.5L 5-cylinder engine making 170-hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Standard transmission choice include a 5-speed manual while an optional 6-speed automatic is available. Moving up, buyers can pick a 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel 4-cylinder unit making 140-hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission, the 2012 Passat TDI gets 43 mpg on the highway and a range of approximately 800 miles. The range-topping 2012 Volkswagen Passat is powered by a 3.6L VR6 units producing 280-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG, the 2012 Passat VR6 will get 28 mpg on the highway. Prices will start around $19,995.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Two R-Line styling packages have been released for the Polo. The R-Line Exterior package for the Polo Comfortline and Highline versions gives the front grille a black gloss finish, new front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a rear diffuser, roof spoiler, fog lights, and two tire options at 16- and 17-inches wrapped in 215 sized tires.

The Polo R-Line Plus has an option for interior styling that comes with black roof lining, black gloss dashboard trim, sports seats available in Alcantara or leather, and aluminum pedals and door sills.

Click here for more news on the Volkswagen Polo.

An Exclusive Edition is available for the Passat Highline sedan and station wagon. For this package, the car is lowered by 15mm and comes with custom 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the car comes with white contrast stitching for the brown leather seats, leather door panels, custom floor mats, and a leather steering wheel.

Refresher: Power for the 2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI comes from a 1.4L TSI engine that uses a supercharger from 0 to 3,000 rpm. After that a turbocharger cuts in to provide extra boost. The system puts out a total of 180-hp with a maximum torque of 184 lb-ft. Mated to a 7-speed twin-clutch DSG gearbox (or a 6-speed manual), the 2011 Polo GTI runs from 0-62 mph in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 142 mph.

- By: Alexandra Koken

You may have seen 2 or 3 of these vehicles on the road already (BMW 6-Series, Volkswagen Passat, Volkswagen Beetle) but most of them won’t hit your local dealership until early 2012.

Some of the vehicles that the egmCarTech team is looking forward to test-drive are the Audi A6, BMW M5, Chevrolet Malibu, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Azera, Lexus GS, Porsche 911 and the Toyota Yaris.

Check out the complete list after the jump or circle through the photo gallery to see what you should (or shouldn’t) be waiting for.

Check out the list after the jump.

Top 16 Redesigned Vehicles You’ll See in 2012 (Alphabetical Order):

• 2012 Audi A6
• 2012 BMW 6-Series
• 2012 BMW M5
• 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
• 2013 Ford Taurus
• 2013 Honda CR-V
• 2013 Hyundai Azera
• 2013 Lexus GS
• 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML
• 2012 Nissan Versa
• 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera / Porsche 911 Carrera S
• 2012 Subaru Impreza
• 2012 Toyota Camry
• 2012 Toyota Yaris
• 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
• 2012 Volkswagen Passat

- By: Omar Rana

Volkswagen has delivered the first 2012 Passat in the United States to Matt Duchesne of San Jose, CA. Duchesne picked the 2012 Passat TDI has is choice.

“Designed specifically for the North American market, the 2012 Passat is the only midsize sedan that offers German engineering at an accessible price,” Volkswagen said. “Duchesne’s 2012 Passat was built at the all-new Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, TN, one of the newest, most advanced, and environmentally responsible auto assembly plants in the world.”

Click here for more news on the Volkswagen Passat.

“We are very excited to share this seminal moment for Volkswagen in America with Mr. Duchesne. It is the fulfillment of our promise to the U.S. market that we can deliver a German-engineered car with American sensibilities at an affordable price,” said Marc Trahan, Executive Vice President of Group Quality at Volkswagen of America. “This 2012 Passat comes equipped with our TDI Clean Diesel engine of which we’re so proud.”

Duchesne and a guest will be sent to Chattanooga, Tennessee for a VIP tour of the all-new facility that is the birthplace of his new car.

Refresher: The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is offered in three trim levels, S SE and SEL. Entry-level 2012 Passat models are powered by a 2.5L 5-cylinder engine making 170-hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Standard transmission choice include a 5-speed manual while an optional 6-speed automatic is available. Moving up, buyers can pick a 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel 4-cylinder unit making 140-hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission, the 2012 Passat TDI gets 43 mpg on the highway and a range of approximately 800 miles. The range-topping 2012 Volkswagen Passat is powered by a 3.6L VR6 units producing 280-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG, the 2012 Passat VR6 will get 28 mpg on the highway. Prices will start around $19,995.

- By: Omar Rana

Volkswagen commercials have always known to be pretty witty. That’s definitely the case in the new commercial for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI called – ‘Vamonos.’

The commercial shows two friends taking a road-trip and instead of listening to music – the driver pops in a ‘Teach Yourself Spanish’ CD. The two end up driving for 13 hours without refueling… and without music.

Click here for more news on the Volkswagen Passat.

Hit the jump for the commercial.

Refresher: The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is offered in three trim levels, S SE and SEL. Entry-level 2012 Passat models are powered by a 2.5L 5-cylinder engine making 170-hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Standard transmission choice include a 5-speed manual while an optional 6-speed automatic is available. Moving up, buyers can pick a 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel 4-cylinder unit making 140-hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission, the 2012 Passat TDI gets 43 mpg on the highway and a range of approximately 800 miles. The range-topping 2012 Volkswagen Passat is powered by a 3.6L VR6 units producing 280-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG, the 2012 Passat VR6 will get 28 mpg on the highway. Prices will start around $19,995.

- By: Omar Rana

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety announced today that the new Audi A6 and the new 2012 Volkswagen Passat have both earned its top safety accolade following good performance for roof strength in rollover crashes.

The award recognizes vehicles that earn the top rating of good for front, side, rollover, and rear crash protection, and that have electronic stability control (ESC). Both of these models have been redesigned for the 2012 model year.

“In the Institute’s roof strength evaluation, the roof of the A6 withstood a force equal to 4.9 times the car’s weight,” the IIHS said in a statement. “The roof of the Passat withstood a force equal to 6.3 times the car’s weight. The test assesses how well the occupant compartment would hold up in a rollover crash. Vehicles with a strength-to-weight ratio of 4 or higher earn a good rating.”

- By: Omar Rana

V-Dub is forming a new customer-experience organization to “support the customer experience in all business activities.”

Despite Volkswagen’s announcement for their increased efforts towards US customers, we here at egmCarTech still wonder what they mean by that. Because as most of us involved in the industry have come to learn, the latest Jetta was designed specifically for the US market and as a result, the Jetta is now suffering from more build quality issues than ever before and has been criticized for its cheap interior quality and mediocre driving performances.

So is this Volkswagen way of telling us that their new cars for the US market are going to follow in the same footsteps as the current Jetta? Let’s hope not.

-  By: Chris Chin

The new 2012 Volkswagen Passat, which is built right here in the United States, seems to be selling well for the German automaker. Volkswagen of America says that it is prepared to increase production of the 2012 Passat less than 4 months after it built the first one.

V-Dub is still looking for a significant sign from the market to increase production at its Chattanooga, Tennessee plant.

Click here for more news on the Volkswagen Passat.

“We’ve already taken steps to decide how we will do it,” Don Jackson, president of manufacturing at the Chattanooga operations, said after speaking to an industry conference in Traverse City, Mich., on Monday. “We’ve looked at the different shift models to do it. We have the planning all done. We just haven’t pulled the trigger.”

The Chattanooga plant is able to produce 150,000 vehicles annually, but Volkswagen can make adjustment to increase output to 200,000 and 220,000 units per year. The plant will build between 45,000 to 50,000 2012 Passats by the end of 2011.

Refresher: The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is offered in three trim levels, S SE and SEL. Entry-level 2012 Passat models are powered by a 2.5L 5-cylinder engine making 170-hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Standard transmission choice include a 5-speed manual while an optional 6-speed automatic is available. Moving up, buyers can pick a 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel 4-cylinder unit making 140-hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission, the 2012 Passat TDI gets 43 mpg on the highway and a range of approximately 800 miles. The range-topping 2012 Volkswagen Passat is powered by a 3.6L VR6 units producing 280-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG, the 2012 Passat VR6 will get 28 mpg on the highway. Prices will start around $19,995.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoWeek

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat in the U.S. market is sure to lure some buyers that usually go for the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. However, recent spy shots of a Passat station wagon has started rumors that the variant will come to the United States.

Sorry to say, but it won’t. Volkswagen sources say that the Volkswagen Passat station wagon seen on American soil is undergoing testing and is headed for the European market… exclusively. Why no love for the American market. Apparently, Volkswagen is aiming at big sales numbers and doesn’t see a new Passat wagon as an effective use of resources.

Shouldn’t be that big of a problem for V-dub since the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry don’t have station wagon versions here either.

Click here for more news on the Volkswagen Passat.

Refresher: The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is offered in three trim levels, S SE and SEL. Entry-level 2012 Passat models are powered by a 2.5L 5-cylinder engine making 170-hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Standard transmission choice include a 5-speed manual while an optional 6-speed automatic is available. Moving up, buyers can pick a 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel 4-cylinder unit making 140-hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission, the 2012 Passat TDI gets 43 mpg on the highway and a range of approximately 800 miles. The range-topping 2012 Volkswagen Passat is powered by a 3.6L VR6 units producing 280-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG, the 2012 Passat VR6 will get 28 mpg on the highway. Prices will start around $19,995.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CARandDRIVER

Volkswagen has been lagging behind with hybrid technology as they’ve been keeping up with their efforts in expanding their infamous diesel powerplants throughout the North American markets. However, the “People’s Car” make has announced that it will be offering hybrid variants on every model they produce.

Despite this announcement, VW’s CEO Martin Winterkorn isn’t a firm believer in EV technology as he believes that the public isn’t ready for it and that plug-in hybrids are the only viable option for the next 10 years.

“Range-extending vehicles such as the Chevrolet Volt, however, do make a lot of sense,” Winterkorn continued in a press conference, “as a result, we’re in the process of developing a TT prototype that uses a range-extending single-cylinder engine to help augment the electric powertrain.”

On the dockets for development are new batteries as well and Winterkorn said that he’s very optimistic about the future in lithium-sulfur batteries, which have three times the energy density of standard lithium-ion batteries. However, these new batteries aren’t due until 2025 but Winterkorn said that the new batteries could enable an EV to travel up to 497 miles on one charge.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Auto Motor und Sport (via WCF)

Volkswagen has just dropped the online configurator for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat, which is heading to dealerships as we type this. Prices for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat start at $19,995 and top out at $32,950.

Configure your very own 2012 Volkswagen Passat here.

Click here for more news on the Volkswagen Passat.

Refresher: The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is offered in three trim levels, S SE and SEL. Entry-level 2012 Passat models are powered by a 2.5L 5-cylinder engine making 170-hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Standard transmission choice include a 5-speed manual while an optional 6-speed automatic is available. Moving up, buyers can pick a 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel 4-cylinder unit making 140-hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission, the 2012 Passat TDI gets 43 mpg on the highway and a range of approximately 800 miles. The range-topping 2012 Volkswagen Passat is powered by a 3.6L VR6 units producing 280-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG, the 2012 Passat VR6 will get 28 mpg on the highway. Prices will start around $19,995.

- By: Omar Rana

Volkswagen today released pricing for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat, which comes in at around $7,000 less than the base price of the outgoing model. The move by V-dub places 2012 Passat sedan in a more competitive position to challenge the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Ford Fusion.

Prices for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat start at $19,995 for the base 2.5L S model, which includes 16-inch steel wheels, 6-speed manual transmission, dual-zone climate control, body color mirror and door handles, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel audio controls, 8-way manual driver seat and center armrest w/integrated storage box. The 2.5L 5-cylinder engine makes 170-hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. The Volkswagen Passat 2.5L lineup ends with the top-of-the-line 2.5 SEL Premium ($29,895), which includes 6-speed automatic transmission, sunroof, navigation, Fender Premium Audio System, Homelink, comfort sport seats, keyless access and remote start, driver seat memory and 8-way power passenger seat.

Click here for more news on the Volkswagen Passat.

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI starts with the SE model priced at $25,995. The 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel 4-cylinder unit produces 140-hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission, the 2012 Passat TDI gets 43 mpg on the highway and a range of approximately 800 miles. The diesel range tops out with the Passat TDI SEL Premium for $32,195.

The most powerful 2012 Volkswagen Passat 3.6L SE with Sunroof starts at $28,995. Power comes from a 3.6L VR6 unit producing 280-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG, the 2012 Passat VR6 will get 28 mpg on the highway. Prices for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat 3.6 top out with the SEL Premium for $32,950.

Check out all the pricing details and options in the pricing sheet posted after the jump.

Press Release:

All-New 2012 Volkswagen Passat Starts at Less Than $20,000

2012 Passat Sets New Benchmarks in the Midsize Segment:

• Highly Contented with Standard Premium Features
• Automatic Dual-Zone Climate Control and Bluetooth®
• Only Clean Diesel Option in Segment with Manufacturer
• Estimated Best-in-Class 43 MPG Highway and Range of Nearly 800 Miles
• Class-Leading Rear Seat Legroom
• No-Charge Three-Year/36,000 Mile Carefree Maintenance®
• German Engineering and Sophistication, Built in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Herndon, Va. – Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the all-new 2012 Passat, a vehicle that brings new standards to the highly competitive midsize segment, with a starting MSRP of $19,995. The 2012 Passat offers exceptional features and premium options in three powertrains and a variety of equipment levels, with equally impressive pricing.

“The 2012 Passat is a true Volkswagen, offering German engineering, class-leading standard features, and superior fuel economy, all for a remarkable value,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “Demonstrating our commitment to the American market, the car will be produced at one of the newest, most advanced, and environmentally responsible auto assembly plants in the world in Chattanooga, Tennessee.”

The 2.5L model with manual transmission and 170 horsepower has a starting MSRP of $19,995.The 2.5L model, available in eight equipment levels, comes standard with automatic dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel audio controls and Volkswagen’s no-charge three-year/36,000 mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance Program. The up-level SE model starts at $23,725 and includes additional equipment such as 17-inch alloy wheels, 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, touchscreen Premium VIII radio, and a multi-Function leather-wrapped steering wheel (see 2012 Passat pricing chart for further details and additional model information).

The 2.0L TDI® Clean Diesel model offers three trim levels and starts at $25,995. The Passat TDI – the only clean diesel option in the midsize segment – is expected to deliver 43 mpg highway, with a range of nearly 800 miles. The TDI base trim package, the SE, comes standard with features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, Volkswagen’s touchscreen Premium VIII radio and a six-speed manual transmission. Volkswagen’s automatic DSG® transmission is optional. This direct-shift gearbox is a technologically advanced six-speed transmission that incorporates an automatic dual-clutch system that instantly engages and disengages gears without the need for a clutch pedal.

The powerful 3.6L VR6® is offered in three trim levels and has a starting MSRP of $28,995. The VR6 model comes standard with a six-speed automatic DSG transmission and offers a highly competitive 280 horsepower. Additional standard premium features in the VR6® model include 18-inch alloy wheels, comfort sport seats, a sunroof, and a class exclusive Fender® Premium Audio System.

The new Passat, designed specifically for the North American market, provides premium features uniquely offered in the U.S., yet maintains the dynamic character that is expected of a Volkswagen. For instance, the new Passat sets new standards for comfort, with best-in-class rear-seat legroom. The all-new midsize sedan is 191.7 inches long and has a 110.4 inch wheelbase.

Premium options include leather seating surfaces, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, wood decor, ambiance lighting, memory driver’s seat, power passenger seat, a choice of Volkswagen’s RNS 315 or RNS 510 navigation systems, front fog lights with static cornering lights, and keyless access with push button start.

The Passat will also offer the new Fender Premium Audio System, designed exclusively for Volkswagen. In a partnership that combines quality automotive engineering and quality sound engineering, Volkswagen and Fender have teamed up to bring the raw emotion of live music to the driving experience.

- By: Omar Rana

Click here for more news on the Volkswagen Passat.

Refresher: The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is offered in three trim levels, S SE and SEL. Entry-level 2012 Passat models are powered by a 2.5L 5-cylinder engine making 170-hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Standard transmission choice include a 5-speed manual while an optional 6-speed automatic is available. Moving up, buyers can pick a 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel 4-cylinder unit making 140-hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission, the 2012 Passat TDI gets 43 mpg on the highway and a range of approximately 800 miles. The range-topping 2012 Volkswagen Passat is powered by a 3.6L VR6 units producing 280-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG, the 2012 Passat VR6 will get 28 mpg on the highway. Prices will start around $20,000.

- By: Omar Rana

Yesterday, Volkswagen held an inauguration ceremony for its new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. According to Volkswagen’s CEO Martin Winterkorn, the automaker will now study whether to expand its new assembly plant here during the next year.

Winterkorn said that the decision to expand the plant will depend on how well the 2012 Volkswagen Passat, which will be built at the plant, sells in the U.S. market. ”We have an extremely strong commitment to the U.S. market,” he said.

Click here for more news on the Volkswagen Passat.

Winterkorn was in Tennessee for the inauguration of the new plant, which opened 23 years after the company shuttered a plant in Pennsylvania.

“By 2018, we want to take our group to the top of the global industry,” not just in terms of sales, but also profitability, quality and sustainability, Winterkorn said. “The United States has a crucial role to play in this journey.”

Refresher: The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is offered in three trim levels, S SE and SEL. Entry-level 2012 Passat models are powered by a 2.5L 5-cylinder engine making 170-hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Standard transmission choice include a 5-speed manual while an optional 6-speed automatic is available. Moving up, buyers can pick a 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel 4-cylinder unit making 140-hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission, the 2012 Passat TDI gets 43 mpg on the highway and a range of approximately 800 miles. The range-topping 2012 Volkswagen Passat is powered by a 3.6L VR6 units producing 280-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG, the 2012 Passat VR6 will get 28 mpg on the highway. Prices will start around $20,000.

2012 Volkswagen Passat:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News