Massachusetts Volkswagen Dealership Sells Record-Breaking VW Passat

Braintree, 09/26/2012 / SubmitMyPR /

There are more than three months left in 2012, but Volkswagen has already sold more Passats in the United States than any year previous, and the record-setting model was sold locally last week at a Greater Boston VW dealership. The automaker announced on Sept. 19 that U.S. Passat sales reached 77,524 units year-to-date with a sale at Quirk Volkswagen in Braintree, surpassing the previous mark of 77,523 units that was set during the entirety of 2001.

Variants of the European VW Passat have been sold stateside since the 1970s, however, the Passat nameplate didn't cross the pond until the 1990 model year. Then last year, Volkswagen kicked off production of a redesigned U.S.-market Passat at its new Chattanooga, Tenn. plant. Featuring a roomier interior, more standard features and a smoother ride at a lower price point, the new VW Passat quickly attracted buyers, prompting production increases during its first year on the market.

"Our customers have been enthusiastically drawn to the new Passat since it first arrived in our showroom, and we're honored that our dealership was the one to put the car over the top with so much time left in 2012," said Jason Thompson, general manager of Quirk Volkswagen. "The Passat's record success is not only a result of Volkswagen's ability to cater to American buyers, but a testament to the quality vehicles that its American workers are able to build day-in and day-out down in Tennessee."

Volkswagen's Chattanooga plant rolled off its 100,000th Passat this past May, just nine months after beginning production. Earlier this year, the automaker announced that it would hire 1,000 additional employees at the facility to keep up with swift sales of the vehicle. Even with the factory's high output, it is known as one of the most environmentally friendly plants the world, certified as LEED Platinum by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Since going on sale in September 2011 for the 2012 model year, the new Volkswagen Passat has seen no shortage of industry praise, including being named the Motor Trend 2012 Car of the Year. That prestigious recognition was followed up with the Kelley Blue Book Family Car of the Year and Cars.com Best of 2012 awards. In both 2011 and 2012, the Passat earned a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

"We're proud of our sister dealership to the south for selling the record-breaking Passat, but we've been moving so many of them that I'm honestly surprised it wasn't us that broke the record," said Frank Carnucci, general manager of Quirk Volkswagen NH, the Quirk Auto Group's New Hampshire VW dealership. "The redesigned Passat has been extremely popular with Granite State drivers the last couple of years, especially the TDI clean-diesel model that can get 43 mpg on highway."

About Quirk Volkswagen MA:
Quirk Volkswagen MA is the premier Greater Boston Volkswagen dealer. Massachusetts VW customers choose Quirk for great service and pricing on new and used VW cars. A dedicated and knowledgeable staff is on hand to show you their extensive selection, with Volkswagen models ranging from the Jetta to the Touareg. You can preview their inventory online at www.quirkvw.com, like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/QuirkVolkswagenMA, reach them by phone at 877-624-0143 or visit their dealership showroom at 20 Granite Street in Braintree, Massachusetts.

About Quirk Volkswagen NH:
As the newest Quirk auto dealership, Quirk Volkswagen NH has quickly emerged as the destination for New Hampshire VW lovers. They have a fantastic selection of new and used Volkswagens ranging from the Jetta to the Tiguan, and the friendly, experienced sales and service staff to back them up. New Hampshire Volkswagen shoppers can browse Quirk Volkswagen's inventory online at www.quirkvwnh.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkVolkswagenNH, call them at 866-308-5124 or visit their dealership at 1100 S. Willow Street in Manchester, New Hampshire.