The VW logo is seen on the front of one of dozens of new Passats made at the Chattanooga Volkswagen assembly plant parked outside the plant.A Chattanooga-made Volkswagen Passat TDI will attempt a world record for fuel economy on an 8,000-mile drive through the lower 48 states.
Two drivers will pilot a 2013 Passat "clean diesel" for the effort that will take about two weeks, according to Volkswagen of America.
The car's drivers started today, leaving from VW's Herndon, Va., headquarters, where the Guinness world record try by a non-hybrid vehicle also will end.
David Geanacopoulos, executive vice president for public affairs and general counsel of Volkswagen Group of America, said in a statement the initiative is "a fun and exciting way for Volkswagen to demonstrate the efficiency advantages of diesel technology."