14 million passats produced so far

[beelzebub]

This is probably old news to some folks here but 14 million? Not sure if Camry can touch that.. I wonder why VW is considered unreliable. I am interested in knowing how they can sell that many while having such tarnished image.



Four plants build 2,900 per day

Volkswagen in Emden today produced the 14 millionth Passat worldwide. The model is one of the most popular mid-range cars and currently the most successful vehicle in its class in Germany.
“The Passat guarantees safety, quality and economy“, said Plant Manager Siegfried Fiebig as the vehicle left the production line. This is confirmed by numerous accolades from experts, journalists and customers who have put the car through its paces in recent months. The anniversary vehicle is a reflex silver 103 kW (140 bp) Passat Variant Highline 4-Motion.
Worldwide, Volkswagen currently produces 2,900 vehicles from various Passat series every working day at the plants in Emden, Zwickau/Mosel, Shanghai (China) and Anchieta (Brazil).
Last year, Europe’s leading automaker delivered some 600,000 Passat to customers all over the world. The main markets in Europe include Germany, UK, France, Spain and Italy. The main sales areas for the Passat outside Europe are Asia and the USA.

Volkswagen in Emden

The Volkswagen Emden plant produces the Passat Limousine and is the only plant to produce the Passat Variant. 2005 was the year of the new Passat (6th generation) ramp up. Some 216,400 vehicles left the assembly lines in Emden in 2005.

Europe’s most modern press shop has been in operation in Emden since 2001. Two vacuum transfer presses, each designed for a total force of 73,000 kilonewtons, can produce about 20,000 parts per day.
At the end of December 2005, about 8,800 people were employed at the plant

[BobLikesBunnies]

Quality is up on the VW's and some of the issues they had like window regulators are minor along with the passat looking beautiful which also helps to sell. Good to see there doing well with it.

[Bravada]

I wonder why VW is considered unreliable. I am interested in knowing how they can sell that many while having such tarnished image.

VW is considered unreliable by American GM fans here on this site. Most people in Europe still perceive VW as "German, well-engineered, high-quality" and thus infer that the cars are reliable. Besides, compared to past e.g. Italian or French cars, VWs still come accross as very reliable, remember that for quite a long time there were no Japanese, and then for a decade or so the Japanese were down in the dumps in this respect. This was prehistory, but group memory still changes very slowly (see: perception of GM in the US ).

[acascianelli]

I still drool over one of the older Passat's...

...W8, 4motion, 6spd, WAGON...

...I would buy one in a heartbeat if I could find one. I've only seen a few for sale on Ebay.

[black93sts]

VW's problems were minor - like Bravada said - just minor stuff like the power windows going out. And even still, you owned a VW. It's like, so what if a Ferrari breaks down every once in a while, It's STILL a Ferrari. You don't just get rid of it because it breaks down every once in a while.

Japanese cars are great to get you from point A to point B without trouble. But VWs are more than basic transportation - they're German cars - they handle great, have the best interiors of their class, etc. I'd buy a VW if I didn't find a GM car that I liked first.

[CobaltSScrazy]

Originally Posted by black93sts

VW's problems were minor - like Bravada said - just minor stuff like the power windows going out. And even still, you owned a VW. It's like, so what if a Ferrari breaks down every once in a while, It's STILL a Ferrari. You don't just get rid of it because it breaks down every once in a while.

Japanese cars are great to get you from point A to point B without trouble. But VWs are more than basic transportation - they're German cars - they handle great, have the best interiors of their class, etc. I'd buy a VW if I didn't find a GM car that I liked first.

i wish GM made a gti competitor as i really love that car. its soooo amazing, i sat in it at naias and just got giddy (and embarassed that GM had nothing to compete w/ it).

[SonofaUAWman]

i have only had minor problems with my car.

Glad to see the Passat reaching this mile stone.

[acascianelli]

Granted the Cobalt SS isn't a hatchback, but in terms of performance the Cobalt SS and VW GTI are pretty similar.

[black93sts]

Originally Posted by acascianelli

Granted the Cobalt SS isn't a hatchback, but in terms of performance the Cobalt SS and VW GTI are pretty similar.

I suppose, but really, the GTI is a on a whole different level. I mean, that's like saying that just because the Malibu and the STS both have V6's that they're on the same level...The GTI is an small (expensive) performance car. The Cobalt SS is a cheap economy car with a nice engine dropped in it. It's interior/features aren't up to the level of the GTI. And that's not a diss on the Cobalt by any means, it's a great car, but its meant for different demographics than the GTI.

[Old Dood]

I see allot of these Passats...I have heard allot of complaints from diehard VW owners about them. Mainly the engines. Personally I do not know this car that much.... it is the name that bothers me.

I can't help but think it is called a Piss-ant...

No offense...like I said I do see allot on them on the freeway and in town. there must be something people like about them.

[plane]

Originally Posted by black93sts

I suppose, but really, the GTI is a on a whole different level. I mean, that's like saying that just because the Malibu and the STS both have V6's that they're on the same level...The GTI is an small (expensive) performance car. The Cobalt SS is a cheap economy car with a nice engine dropped in it. It's interior/features aren't up to the level of the GTI. And that's not a diss on the Cobalt by any means, it's a great car, but its meant for different demographics than the GTI.

Really now, would anyone seriously consider comparing a Cavalier to the GTI?

Your post demonstrates exactly how domestics lost market share and can win it back. Through great design, brilliant engineering, advanced manufacturing techniques, economies of scale, and perhaps a bit of luck, GM can provide what used to be expected of a high-end performance car in an economy car that everyone can afford.

[ChevyEquinox]

Originally Posted by CobaltSScrazy

i wish GM made a gti competitor...

They do....



...but apparently, we're not worthy of it.