Atlas Production Begins in Chattanooga

Series production of Volkswagen North America’s biggest ever car began today in Chattanooga, Tennessee. As of today, VW will build up inventory until the Atlas is ready to hit showrooms in 2017.

“I am very proud of the hard work the Chattanooga team has put in to bring the Atlas to series production,” said Christian Koch, President and CEO of Volkswagen Chattanooga in a statement. “The challenge of integrating a new vehicle line while simultaneously completing a major expansion of our facility was daunting, but our team stepped up to the task and now we have taken another step towards the market introduction of the Atlas.”

The Atlas will be built alongside the North American Passat thanks to a $900 million plant expansion and 400 new employees.

“The Atlas marks a brand new journey for Volkswagen as we enter deeper into the heart of the American market, moving from a small-car brand towards a more family-friendly lineup,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of VW’s North America Region. “We are so proud that this vehicle was not only designed for the American market, but we built it in our factory right here in Tennessee.”

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