VW Video: Volkswagen's new American Passat to be built in Chattanooga

photo The new 2012 Volkswagen Passat, to be built in Chattanooga.

DETROIT - Volkswagen today revealed the first images of its Chattanooga-built car and will call it the Passat.

Officials said the new Passat built for Americans will be larger and cost less than the midsize car of the same name it will replace in the United States.

Volkswagen AG CEO Martin Winterkorn said the Passat opens "a brand, new era in America."

'Volkswagen is back," he said. "Volkswagen is at home in America."

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredsen said he loves milestones and "certainly this is one."

In a roomful of upbeat top VW and Chattanooga officials at the old Detroit Fire House downtown, photos and video of the new midsize sedan were unveiled.

The car will be officially displayed before journalists at the North American International Auto Show at the nearby Cobo Hall on Monday.

"The new sedan is the centerpiece of our activities in Detroit," said Jonathan Browning, chief executive of Volkswagen Group of America. "It's the first time we'll show the vehicle to the public."

He said VW officials will get reactions from the press, industry leaders, dealers and others.

The sedan is to go on sale later this year as a 2012 model. Production at the $1 billon Chattanooga plant is to ramp up over the next three months, officials said.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?Share your first impression of the car at Facebook.com/TimesFreePress.

For full story, see Monday's Times Free Press.

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