Volkswagen’s Chattanooga production facility, the world’s first LEED platinum-certified factory, has made the 500,000th Passat. It was a Candy White limited edition.
The limited edition in overseas markets comes with a black interior, push-button start, a rear-view camera, heated front seats, a premium stereo system, and 17-inch alloy ‘Sonoma’ wheels. Power comes from a 126kW/250Nm 1.8-litre turbo-petrol engine.
Speaking about the milestone, Christian Koch, president and CEO of Volkswagen, said, “I’m proud of our team and excited about new products on the horizon in this factory”.
“Built in Chattanooga, Tenn., the Volkswagen Passat embodies the spirit of America and continues to play a key role in the brand’s U.S. growth strategy,” said Michael Horn, president and CEO at Volkswagen Group of America.
The company is now expanding its business with a budget of $900 million by adding a second model line to the Chattanooga facility. The upcoming seven-seat mid-size SUV will be produced at the centre, as previously reported.
In Australia the Volkswagen Passat comes in two main model lines, featuring a 118TSI petrol engine or a 130TDI diesel. It comes in sedan, wagon, and lifted up Alltrack form. So far this year, VFACTS shows the local company has sold 1158 examples. It is the fourth most popular vehicle in the class.
