In just nine months, they have outdone their previous yearly record set back in 2001!
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - Sept. 20, 2012
2013 VW Passat TDI - $26,225 to start and a very profound for a non-hybrid mid-size, 31/43 mpgUS city/highway rating.
On the eve of the very latest 2013 VW Passat TDI with the 6-speed stick arriving at our door, Volkswagen reported they sold 77,524 Passat sedans year-to-date, making 2012 the best year of Passat sales ever in the United States. According to VW, this number surpasses the previous total year sales record, established way back in 2001.
This best-year milestone comes on the heels of the best August sales month for Passat to date, with 10,900 units sold. Approximately 20 percent of all Passats sold in the United States are equipped with the 2.0L TDI Turbo Diesel engine mated to either the tall ratio’ed 6-speed stick (we have been wanting to drive this little beauty for well over a year now) to the 6-speed DSG automatic for those looking for a more sedate drive from point A to B.
VW August 2012 Sales up 62.5%
From our preview of the 2012 VW Passat TDI with the 6-speed DSG, the cavernous rear seat room is to die for with more than a little stretch out room, a premium or non-existent in other competitors mid-size offerings.
CleanMPG Previews the All-New 2012 VW Passat TDI
Power from the slight 2.0L turbo diesel was more than adequate thanks to its maximum torque rating of 236 lb-ft which peaks at just 1,750 RPM! A mid 8 second car to 60, it has enough oomph to get out of its own way but most importantly, it simply skips the pump with 1 fill for every 1.5 fills from most competitors whose owners have to be getting real tired of throwing down $75 a pop for their liquid gold.
Ride and Handling
The Passat is not quite German firm as it has been tuned for softer American tastes just as its size was expended to meet American consumer’s midsize expectations. A bit of body roll in hard corners but good on center feel and no meandering on the straighter sections of I-24 revealed with cross winds.
Handling was very predictable up to its limits as the previews scripted drive route had me above the recommended limits coming into a decreasing radius downhill turn out of the TN Mountains. A touch of the binders, turn and carve. It was that simple and very confidence inspiring for what feels like a “big” car.
Despite not being a highly tuned sports car as so many believe their vehicles need to portray, the Passat TDI is the best pick amongst the available Passat’s available drivetrains simply due to its over the top fuel economy and massive range with a 19 + gallon tank (18.5 gallons spec).
A Sales Timeline
2001: The Volkswagen Passat had its best year ever selling 77,523 vehicles for the entire year.
2011: In January 2011, the all-new Passat makes its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This was followed up with the award-winning commercial “The Force” which premiered during the Super Bowl in February of 2011. The first Passat was delivered in September of 2011. The Passat also began its long list of accolades when it was named a 2011 IIHS Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the highest possible rating from the non-profit safety research organization.
VW’s Billion $USD Investment in Chattanooga
First 2012 Passat TDI Arrives
Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) 2012 Family Car of the Year Is?
2012: The Passat earns 5 stars from the NHTSA, the most rigorous crash test schedule on the planet with a perfect 5-stars across the board for frontal, side and overall.
2012 VW Passat – NHTSA Crash Test Results
In May, Volkswagen Chattanooga achieves a significant production milestone with the completion of the 100,000th Passat just nine months after start of sales in September 2011. As the only manufacturing facility in the world to be certified as LEED Platinum by the U.S. Green Building Council, the plant is considered the most environmentally friendly automotive plant worldwide. In 2012, Volkswagen Chattanooga also announced it was hiring an additional 1,000 employees in order to keep up with the growing demand of the Passat.
Another 800 To Be Added At VW’s Chattanooga Passat Production Facility
VWs Chattanooga Passat Plant Initiates a Third Shift
In the same month, a new world record of 1626.1 miles on a single tank of diesel fuel over the course of three days was achieved while driving through nine states when John and Helen Taylor averaged 84.1 mpg.
12 Passat TDI Travels 1,626.1 Miles On A Single Tank – Far Off the WR Mark However
Yesterday, September 19, 2012, the 77,524th Passat is sold at Quirk Volkswagen, a dealership in Braintree, Mass. In just nine months, 2012 officially becomes the best-selling year for the Volkswagen Passat surpassing the previous total year sales record, established in 2001.
Yeah, the next 10-days should prove to be fruitful…
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