THE LATEST: Volkswagen starts series production of new Atlas SUV in Chattanooga.
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ORIGINAL STORY: The designers behind the Chattanooga-made 2018 Volkswagen Atlas said Wednesday the two-year process of crafting the sport utility vehicle was driven by a well-researched look at how Americans live with their vehicles.
"I think we developed something that takes us apart from the breed," said Klaus Bischoff, head of Volkswagen design. "We looked deep into how Americans are living with their midsize SUVs, and we wanted to get the Atlas right."
The new seven-passenger SUV is on display at the press lead-in to the Los Angeles Auto Show.
While the Atlas grew from the CrossBlue concept first displayed in 2013, it's much larger and more substantial in appearance, according to VW.
"Size does matter, especially for families," said Bischoff. "The first designs we showed were literally too small, too compact, designed too much out of a European perspective. We had to get used to the vehicle size that's more appropriate for America."
Production of the SUV is to start in December at the automaker's Chattanooga assembly plant and sales will begin next spring at dealerships.