Volkswagen will build diesel version of Passat replacement in Tennessee
Volkswagen of America CEO Stefan Jacoby spoke at a Clean Energy Technology summit in Chattanooga, TN this week about plans for the company's new factory there. Jacoby announced that the new mid-sized car that will be built there will include an optional clean diesel engine. The new car will replace the current Passat and be specifically targeted to the North American market when the plant comes online by 2011. Jacoby didn't reveal any specifics about which TDI engine would be used, but the current European market Passat is equipped with the same 2.0L engine that is in the recently introduced Jetta TDI.
The VW executive also emphasized that the plant will be designed from the start to minimize resource use and environmental impact. VW will build a wetland area adjacent to the factory to help control flooding. Inside, the climate control system will use new greener refrigerants and reuse and recycling practices will be maximized.
[Source: Chattanooga Times Free Press]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
John Rees 9:19AM (10/17/2008)
I would be worried about a engine problem and no support from VW. View my VW experience here: http://www.reesphotos.com/VW/
John Rees
Reply
Roux 3:43PM (10/17/2008)
I have owned many VW's - Superbeetle, Rabbit Diesel, Vanagon and now a New Beetle Convertible.
The '81 Rabbit got between 45 and 50 mpg and I put about 200K miles on it. I wish I had it today.
After reading Mr. Rees experience I'm not really surprised as I've heard of other VW owners having similar engine problems. A jumped timing chain in those engines is unforgivable.
With our newest car we were told to change the timing chain at 50K miles.
Reply
Dan Palmer 5:08PM (10/17/2008)
When I was buying a new car in Feb 2007 I didn't even bother with VW even though there is a 20 minute walk from my home and just down the street from where I bought my Subaru.
I owned 2 beetles, a super beetle, and (briefly) a Karmann Ghia. I like VW's, they look great and offer nice value for the money based on performance and content.
What they don't offer is acceptable reliability. I have never read a long term test that didn't include multiple uncheduled trips to the dealer. I am just not willing to put up with that. If I am going to drop $25-$30k on a car I expect it to be reliable and I just don't trust VW to provide that.
Reply
Dan Palmer 5:10PM (10/17/2008)
VW really ought to offer a warranty similar to Kia and Hyundai. With strong enough warranty protection I might take a chance on VW.
Reply
TDI_NICK 11:01PM (10/17/2008)
My 1 owner '02 Golf TDI has been very reliable after 60k miles. Timing belt is original. Work that was done is a new EGR on warrenty, new coolant temp sensor and then new glow plugs this year. Runs great on B5/B20 biodiesel getting 52mpg highway.
VW needs to bring back the TDI Passat -- something with optional AWD and manual gearbox option.
Reply
Jim 5:35PM (12/31/2008)
Nick, Check out the new Blue motion that is coming out in o09
TDI_NICK 11:14PM (10/17/2008)
You have/had a VR6 gasoline engine. This topic is about TDI.
I do like the idea of a 10-year/100k mile VW warranty like the Korean brands.
Reply
John 10:16AM (3/30/2009)
hello,
my sister owns a 2001 tdi diesel, as she was driving home the timing chain broke.
do you or anyone have any idea if the motor is shot?
thanks