BREAKING: Volkswagen Names New Midsized Crossover "Atlas"

Volkswagen has given the name “Atlas” to the new midsize crossover that will shoulder the burden of reviving the brand’s fortunes in the U.S., according to Automobilwoche, the German-language affiliate of Automotive News.

The name has been a closely guarded secret ever since the vehicle was previewed by the CrossBlue concept at the 2013 Detroit auto show. VW plans to reveal the Atlas -- a seven-passenger, three-row crossover to be built in Chattanooga -- on Oct. 27 at a media event in Santa Monica, Calif.

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vdiv - 10/6/2016 2:23:46 PM

+2 Boost

Is this the same to the Touareg as the Sequoia is to the Land Cruiser? Soccer mom mobile, the Routan replacement, not a mud-crawler? Three rows of seats and a big name such as Atlas imply a full size, not mid.

atc98092 - 10/6/2016 7:24:11 PM

+3 Boost

This is larger than a Touareg, with a true 3rd row. However, being built in the US should mean it will cost less. And true, not an off-roader.

MDarringer - 10/6/2016 7:29:16 PM

0 Boost

It's essentially a Touareg replacement given that the Toerag is a turd for sales. It would not surprise me to see the T-rag disappear from the US market where it competes foolishly with the Q7. Thankfully this is not named Toreamount, but pricing, quality, durability, reliability, and customer satisfaction have to be spot on otherwise this will be another Passat moment i.e. a lot of enthusiasm on introduction then the truth sets in and people stay away.

TomM - 10/7/2016 7:41:53 AM

+2 Boost

Sorry - but at least around where I live - where the closed VW dealership JUST re-opened - I don't see many new VW vehicles anymore. THey are more taboo than anything else around right now. While the Atlas name at least is better for English speakers (And I suspect in all of Europe as well IF it goes there with that name) - I suspect it will be a hard sell getting people into the dealership for a while yet. If the vehicle is good - they still will have to discount it greatly to get customer traffic.

In my area - VW has a very bad reputation for reliability - including engines and transmission - with VERY high priced repairs too. VW MIGHT draw more people if they had a Hyundai like warranty for a while - but I don't know if they could afford it. For Europe - this is probably too big.

atc98092 - 10/6/2016 7:25:20 PM

+3 Boost

I think I can actually live with that name. At least you can pronounce and spell it easily!

MDarringer - 10/7/2016 8:39:06 AM

0 Boost

Some people might spell it "at last" *stolen from elsewhere*