VW CrossBlue shown in a publicity photo from the 2103 North American International Auto Show

Volkswagen AG says its factory in Tennessee is the front-runner to build a new SUV.

Marc Trahan, executive vice president of quality for Volkswagen in the U.S., said Tuesday that Volkswagen will decide by the end of this year where to build the seven-passenger SUV, which the company believes it needs in the U.S. market.

Trahan would not discuss efforts by the United Auto Workers to organize workers at the plant, or say whether those efforts are part of the discussion about where to build the new SUV. The UAW said last week that a majority of workers in Chattanooga have signed cards seeking union representation.

The plant currently has two shifts of workers making the Passat sedan. Trahan said if the SUV doesn't go there, something else will.