She was born 49 years ago and was one of the most popular family wagons in Europe. It had inaugurated TDI engines and the GTE plug-in hybrid engine. It was normally scheduled until 2023, but the Volkswagen Passat is therefore a tiptoe following half a century of loyal service. An ending in minor mode, which can be explained by many factors.
The SUVs
We know it, the advent of the SUV somewhat killed the large family sedan. Since everyone swears by it, every sedan from every brand struggles to survive, and that goes even for premium brands. But with such a long reputation, the Passat was doing better than its peers.
Dieselgate
Then came the global fake diesel scandal, and it was another nail in the shoe of the venerable family. Because although it has always existed in gasoline version, it was overwhelmingly sold in diesel, since it had had the honor of launching the very first TDI. But when these fell out of favor, the Passat inevitably suffered …
Concurrence intrafamiliale
The Passat also had to face the rivalry of its own sisters and cousins, rivalry both “from below” and “from above”. Indeed, as it became more and more refined over the generations, and as customers understood that it was technically identical, the Skoda Octavia nibbled away sales of the Passat. And it’s likely that the Skoda Superb has taken its part as well. But even within VW, the Passat was not quiet, since the sculptural Arteon took the more affluent customers.
In short, the Passat sedan had already lost its dominating status. The model is hardly profitable any more, and VW knows how to better use the resources devoted to its production: the development of the ID range. Indeed, not only is the Passat no longer, but it will – obviously – be replaced by a 100% electric model, already seen under the names of ID Space Vizzion and Aero B.
Small clarification: only the Passat sedan has lowered the curtain. The Variant station wagon should go until the end of his career as planned. If all goes well…
