Volkswagen of America posted lower overall sales in October versus a year ago, even though the Chattanooga-made Atlas SUV surged 41% higher in the month.
The company's total vehicle sales were 28,072 in October, down 3.2% from the same month a year ago.
Sales were weighed down by lack of availability of the Passat sedan last month, when only 211 were sold. VW is ramping up production in Chattanooga of a revamped Passat, according to the German automaker.
Atlas sales last month hit 6,647, up from 4,725 a year ago, the company reported. For the year, Atlas sales are 39% above last year.
Sales of the smaller Tiguan SUV rose 9.8% to 8,333 in October.
"The growth from our SUV sales continue to lift the brand," said Werner Eichhorn in a statement.