While Europeans get to enjoy the latest version of the Volkswagen Passat underpinned by the MQB platform, the American model is based on the aging PQ46 platform.

However, the next iteration of the North American Passat will move to the newer platform architecture, according to a report from VWVortex.

Volkswagen had already planned an update for the North American Passat in 2018, but since it now coincides with the unveiling of the redesigned European Passat, the date has been moved. The vehicle, won’t be identical to the European one, as a source with “knowledge of the plan” said: “It’s not going to be an Euro Passat. It’s going to be designed in America, for America.

At this point, details of the upcoming model remain scarce, but it’s expected to be built in the same Chattanooga, Tennessee facility, where production of the current generation was moved in 2011 in order to better tailor it for the North American market and to avoid exchange rate fluctuations. The same plant will also be in charge with assembling the Teramont three-row SUV, set to be revealed this fall, which is also underpinned by the MQB platform.

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