A top Volkswagen of America official says the Chattanooga-made Passat has “a finite lifespan in terms of our planning,” at least as a gas-powered vehicle.
In remarks at the Chicago Auto Show to Roadshow by CNET, VW Chief Operating Officer Johan de Nysschen said the Passat’s successor could be battery powered.
“It’s probably a reasonable assumption that when this Passat reaches the end of its life cycle, its successor will probably not feature an internal combustion engine,” he said.
Jessica Caldwell, executive director of insights for auto researcher Edmunds, said Friday that the midsize sedan car market is suffering industry wide.
“Everyone wants larger vehicles, SUVs and pickups,” she said.