The New York Auto Show (NYIAS) is just around the corner, so, you know what that means. The teasers are going to start streaming in.

First up? That would be Volkswagen.

New York Auto Show Preview

Since the launch of the seven-seater Atlas sport-utility vehicle, it's been a driver of momentum for the recovering brand. Post Dieselgate, the company needed a lift. Thankfully, the Atlas was able to provide a much-needed boost. But, one vehicle alone will not do the trick.

That's where the five-passenger Atlas comes into play. Said to have more of a sleek roofline, it will be more of a coupe than a proper SUV. But, let's reserve judgment until next week when it will debut in New York in concept form.


New York Auto Show Preview






Volkswagen's press release follows:

VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES A NEW FIVE-PASSENGER ATLAS SUV TO BE BUILT IN CHATTANOOGA

Based off Volkswagen’s award-winning MQB platform, a concept version will be unveiled at the 2018 New York International Auto Show

Chattanooga, Tenn. – Volkswagen of America, Inc., announced today that it will be building a new five-passenger SUV at its Chattanooga factory. Based off Volkswagen’s award-winning MQB platform, the new Volkswagen SUV will be a variant of the seven-passenger Atlas and, like its sibling, will be designed and engineered for the American market.

“The Atlas has built strong momentum for Volkswagen in the SUV segment, and we are excited to grow our SUV portfolio with this new, Chattanooga-assembled five-passenger SUV,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “We are not only committed to this market, we are committed to our U.S. manufacturing home in Chattanooga, Tennessee.”

Woebcken made the announcement in Chattanooga today with Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam.

“During my time as Governor, I’ve watched Volkswagen Chattanooga flourish from a single vehicle producer, starting with the Passat, into what it is today—a thriving U.S. manufacturing operation that can produce three models, and counting,” said Governor Haslam. “We value Volkswagen as a committed partner, whose investments in the state have not only created new jobs, but have helped us build a skilled Tennessee workforce. I look forward to watching as VW continues to grow in Tennessee.”

Volkswagen will invest approximately $340 million to bring the vehicle to market, in addition to approximately $900 million already invested to expand the plant for Atlas production. The five-passenger Atlas variant will mark the third Volkswagen model assembled at the Chattanooga factory. Volkswagen Chattanooga also manufactures the Passat, which went on sale in 2011, and the Atlas, which started sales in 2017.

A concept version of the five-passenger SUV will be officially unveiled at the 2018 New York International Auto Show.

cidflekken - 3/21/2018 3:39:34 AM

+5 Boost

So, it's going to follow Honda into the Murano, Edge, and Santa Fe mix with a mid-size five-passenger SUV. Makes sense, actually.

dumpsty - 3/22/2018 11:26:02 AM

+1 Boost

I was thinking it'll still be a full-size SUV, just a 5-door version...similar to the Tahoe/Suburban product mix.

Same height width, just a shorter in length.

TomM - 3/21/2018 6:20:58 AM

0 Boost

Sure - they will get some sales - as the New Chevy Blazer in the same category.
Until VW solves its reliability problems - the customers are generally one time purchasers.

atc98092 - 3/21/2018 7:59:11 AM

+6 Boost

Five passenger, not five door. Sheesh. The Atlas has always had 5 doors (4 passenger and the rear lift gate).

MDarringer - 3/21/2018 8:08:26 AM

-1 Boost

Ford does incredibly well with the Edge between the Escape and the Explorer, so why not give it a whirl? VW's problem is that neither the new Tiguan or the Atlas are faring well in their respective markets. Their volumes are pathetic against the segment leaders. Advertising on both is dull and pointless. There is no impetus to get a VW crossover. As products, they are OK, but both launches were botched.

MDarringer - 3/21/2018 8:45:07 AM

-3 Boost

Even if Atlas sales DOUBLED it would still be a footnote. It's selling at 20-25% of the volume leaders. My guess is that the production "increase" will be the 5-seat Atlas that will merely displace Passat sales for a zero sum game.

MDarringer - 3/21/2018 7:11:33 PM

-1 Boost

@fiftysix...dream on. VW is more likely to exit the US market than it is likely that it will reach its 800K sales goal.

The Atlas is selling with steep discounts.

carsnyc - 3/21/2018 9:24:46 AM

0 Boost

Doesn't look bad but no thanks. At least not until they make more reliable cars.

t_bone - 3/21/2018 10:27:30 AM

0 Boost

At VW it's always #anythingbutthemicrobusconceptseveryoneloves

mre30 - 3/21/2018 11:11:34 AM

+3 Boost

Makes sense - is there any hard data on whether the Atlas is a good vehicle or not? I test drove one as a possible replacement for my 6-yr old Mercedes GL350 and it was HUGE inside and priced really well. Not the same luxury but my dogs won't care. Looks are subjective but I'd say it looks appropriate for what it is.

VW also has the 6 yr/72,000 mile "People's Warranty" which sound quite amazing.

Anyone hear anything about the Atlas now that its been out for a year?

Agent00R - 3/21/2018 11:27:50 PM

0 Boost

I haven't heard any quality issues I just know I hated its ride and bargain basement interior.

If its a literally just a utility machine I wouldn't worry too too much about it as most of the components are shared in the VW family anyhow and are battle tested at this point.

MDarringer - 3/22/2018 8:05:43 AM

-1 Boost

Compared to a Mercedes GL, the Atlas must seem like a bargain, but against its competition, it's not.

It's not been out long enough for durability issues to come to the surface. VWs tend to have things wear out or go wrong that are expensive to fix. Such issues Toyota and Honda don't have. If VW components are "battle tested" then VW lost the war.

I'd lease not buy.

The warranty is a good thing because VWs tend to have issues.

In its segment though, the Atlas is not the one to buy.