After restarting production following plant closures in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Volkswagen is celebrating a major US production milestone as the German automaker has built its one-millionth car at its assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The one-millionth car to roll off the production line was a 2020 Volkswagen Passat R-Line finished in Aurora Red Metallic.

"It's gratifying to me that our team is back to work and able to mark yet another key milestone since the opening of VW's Chattanooga plant," said Tom du Plessis, president and CEO of Volkswagen Chattanooga. "Part of us getting back to normal is taking time to recognize these important achievements which are only possible because of the hard work and commitment of our exceptional team here in Chattanooga."

The 2012 Passat was specifically designed for the North American market with larger proportions, a more spacious interior, and increased trunk space. It was given a big overhaul for the 2020 model year with a bolder design and upgraded tech but still rides on the same platform as the old model that had been in production since 2011. In contrast, the current version sold in Europe rides on VW's new modular MQB platform.

All 2020 Passat models in the US are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine producing 174 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Pricing starts at $22,995.

The Volkswagen Chattanooga plant has been producing the Passat since 2011. Since then, Volkswagen Chattanooga now employs around 3,800 people and has produced more than 700,000 Passat sedans and 100,000 Volkswagen Atlas crossovers. Production of the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport and facelifted 2021 Atlas also recently started at the plant. VWs built in Chattanooga have been exported to Canada, Mexico, Russia, South Korea, and the Middle East. As part of an $800 million investment, Volkswagen's Chattanooga plant will also build the ID. range of electric cars for the US market, starting with the VW ID.4 in 2022.