Chattanooga, Tenn. (Nov. 16, 2011) - Motor Trend, one of the world’s premier automotive authorities, today named the made-in-Chattanooga Volkswagen Passat the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year.

"Chassis, steering, ride, and handling all are tastiest within this segment," said Motor Trend editor-in-chief, Angus MacKenzie. "It’s in this category the bigger Passat really demonstrates its engineering excellence."

The 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year award was presented to Jonathan Browning, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America and Frank Fischer, CEO and Chairman, of Volkswagen Chattanooga during a press conference at the 2011 LA Auto Show.

"We are proud to manufacture the American car of the year in Chattanooga," said Fischer.  "With passion for detail and Tennessee craftsmanship, our team is working hard to keep the Passat driving on the road to success."

Along with German-engineered DNA, the Passat offers class-leading rear-seat legroom and standard Bluetooth® and automatic dual-zone climate control. The Passat is available with three power trains and is the only midsize sedan with a clean diesel option in the lineup. When equipped with a manual transmission the TDI® Clean Diesel model is good for an EPA estimated 43 mpg on the highway and a range of 795 miles.

"Volkswagen is extremely proud to receive this honor," said Browning. "This recognition from Motor Trend is a testament to the engineering integrity of the Passat and validates our strategy of providing a US-built, German engineered mid-size sedan at a price in the heart of the mid-size segment."

On sale since September 2011, the Passat is built at Volkswagen’s state-of-the art factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

About Volkswagen Chattanooga
Volkswagen Group of America Inc. will invest $1 billion in the local economy for the Chattanooga plant and create more than 2,000 direct jobs. According to independent studies, the new Volkswagen plant is expected to generate $12 billion in income growth and an additional 9,500 jobs related to the project. The Chattanooga plant builds the all-new 2012 Passat designed for the North American market.