Rumour: VW Passat could be axed in US & Europe in 2023

The Passat has been Europe’s best-selling non-premium midsize sedan.

According to a media report, Volkswagen could discontinue the Passat in USA and Europe by 2023. The decision is likely to be taken as the company shifts its focus to electric cars and SUVs.

While it could be the end of the road for the Passat sedan in Europe, the estate version of the car will continue to be sold in markets like Germany. Reports suggest that the next generation Passat estate could be introduced around end-2023.

That said, it seems unlikely that VW will cancel the Passat in the Europe given its popularity. It is Europe’s best-selling non-premium midsize sedan. VW sold 88,478 units in October 2020.

In comparison, sales performance of the Passat in the US market hasn’t been as encouraging. The carmaker sold just 16,190 units in the first three quarters of 2020. Therefore, cancelling the model in the US would make sense.

As far as the Indian market is concerned, VW will continue to offer the Passat for the time being. In fact, test mules of Passat TSI have been spotted on the roads. The car is likely to be powered by a BS6-compliant turbo-petrol engine.

Source