Taking On Lexus? New Passat To Move Up Market

The decision comes after Volkswagen Group chairman Herbert Diess had cast doubt on whether the Passat would be replaced. He cited the increasing popularity of the similarly sized Arteon and plans to produce the well-received electric ID Vizzion concept in saloon and estate bodystyles from 2023 onwards as possible reasons not to continue beyond today’s car, which was introduced in 2015.
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cidflekken - 8/24/2020 3:10:02 PM

+5 Boost

But why? Why does VW keep wanting to encroach on Audi's territory? I just don't understand this strategy under VWAG.

dumpsty - 8/24/2020 11:21:02 PM

+2 Boost

agreed. dont understand why VW is trying to push the VW brand as a luxury make.

Maybe VW execs are sitting around wonder why nobody considers "their" German brand as luxury. They just havent realized that the Touareg & Pheaton were seen as Cadillacs dressed like loaded generic Buicks.

qwertyfla1 - 8/24/2020 4:26:06 PM

+1 Boost

I think VW has to greatly increase reliability to take on Lexus or most other brands for that matter...

mre30 - 8/24/2020 6:03:34 PM

0 Boost

...anybody have intel on how heavily discounted VW's are at the retail level?

The Golf's and Jetta's and Tiguan's (which are solid values at their lower price points and not bad cars compared to similarly priced Toyota/Honda/Nissans/Hyundais) don't really seem to be advertised with discounts (aside from cheap leases) though I assume Arteons and Passats and maybe Atlas are routinely offered with cash on the hood.

Any intel?

MDarringer - 8/24/2020 8:01:08 PM

-1 Boost

Moving the Passat upmarket is exactly what NOT to do. Moving it up makes it an "Arteon" and the Arteon has NOT a sales success worldwide.

Gender Token Mary's lover Johann is back at VW and VW is making terrible decisions. Hmm...

610looper - 8/25/2020 12:12:08 AM

+2 Boost

Nothing in this linked article says anything about VW taking the Passat upmarket..

If Toyota has the Camry and Avalon and ES 350, Nissan can have the Altima, Maxima, and Q50, surely VW can have the Passat, Arteon, and A4...

dlin - 8/25/2020 12:52:27 PM

+2 Boost

Only if VW can match Lexus' quality
Otherwise they'll only eat into Audi's market share

mini22 - 8/27/2020 1:46:36 AM

+1 Boost

Realistically do you really think there is much future for a Passat in America anyway? The answer has to be NO. I predict the VW of America will not build or import this new more expensive Passat to these shores. VW clearly knows the market is SUV/CUV's Pickups etc. This upgraded Passat I'm sure well sell well in China and other markets. Once this becomes a world car VW will cease selling it here.