Does the Passat belong to SAIC Volkswagen or FAW-Volkswagen?
2 Answers
The Passat belongs to SAIC Volkswagen. The differences between SAIC Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen are as follows: 1. Difference in establishment time: SAIC Volkswagen was established earlier than FAW-Volkswagen. SAIC Volkswagen was established as a joint venture in 1985, while FAW-Volkswagen was established in 1991. 2. Difference in equity share: FAW holds 60% of the shares, and Volkswagen AG holds 40%. SAIC Group holds 50% of the shares, and Volkswagen AG holds 50%. 3. Difference in vehicle models produced: FAW-Volkswagen mainly produces Audi, Jetta, Golf, Bora, Sagitar, and Magotan, while SAIC Volkswagen mainly produces Santana, Passat, POLO, Lavida, Tiguan, Octavia, and Superb.
As a car enthusiast, whenever I talk about Volkswagen cars with friends, I always mention the Passat, which indeed belongs to Shanghai Volkswagen (also known as SAIC Volkswagen). FAW-Volkswagen produces the Magotan. Although both originate from the same platform, their designs and marketing strategies are entirely different. The Passat is mainly produced at Shanghai Volkswagen's Anting plant and has been part of the SAIC system since its introduction to China around 2010, leaning towards a business and family style. The Magotan, on the other hand, comes from FAW-Volkswagen's Foshan plant and has a more sporty appeal. I have driven the Passat myself—it offers spacious interiors and stable handling—but buyers should pay attention to the dealer brand to avoid confusion. In the Chinese market, the Passat has consistently led in sales, with many owners praising its comfort and reliability when sharing driving experiences. However, configurations vary after model updates, so regular maintenance is key.
