Is the Passat a Domestic Car?
3 Answers
The Passat is not a domestic car. Here are specific details about the Passat: 1. Exterior: The new Passat is built on the MQB platform, with an overall design that appears more imposing than the Magotan. It features a larger front grille, a body length close to 5 meters, and a sleek fastback design, making the car appear more elongated. The LED taillights at the rear are a standout feature, offering excellent display effects. Additionally, the use of numerous horizontal and straight lines creates a coupe-like feel. 2. Interior: The new Passat provides a fresh experience with its fully digital instrument panel, which offers three styles for free switching. It is fully functional and exudes a strong sense of technology.
To be honest, when I first considered buying a Passat, I was also curious whether it counts as a domestic car. As an ordinary office worker, I looked up the information and learned that the Passat is actually a German model from Volkswagen, but it's produced in China by SAIC Volkswagen, a joint venture. SAIC Volkswagen is a collaboration between Volkswagen and SAIC Group, with factories located in places like Ningbo and Shanghai, so most Passats sold in China are localized versions. Compared to purely imported Volkswagen cars, it's much more affordable—I bought mine for less than 200,000 RMB, whereas a German-made imported one would definitely cost a lot more. After localization, maintenance and repairs are more convenient. For example, in the three years I've owned it, replacement parts have been quick to source from local suppliers. The design and technology still originate from Germany, though, which doesn’t affect the driving experience. Nowadays, the domestic car market has more and more of these joint venture models, allowing more people to enjoy international-quality vehicles at a reasonable price—it feels like a great deal.
With over 20 years of experience in auto repair, I can say the Passat is a typical domestically produced vehicle in China. Volkswagen has two joint venture partners here: SAIC Volkswagen and FAW Volkswagen. The Passat is primarily assembled on SAIC Volkswagen's production lines. Joint ventures combine foreign designs with local components to manufacture and sell vehicles within China. This model reduces import tariffs, ensures good cost control, and results in reasonable pricing for new cars. For example, while the Passat's engine and chassis may incorporate some local parts, the core technology follows German standards. I've repaired many Passats, and common issues like aging wire connectors or sensor failures are often related to domestic components. For repairs, you can easily source parts from local suppliers without waiting for imports. Of course, the domestic version's craftsmanship might be slightly rougher than the original, but it's stable enough for daily driving. Before purchasing, it's advisable to check the VIN code to confirm the manufacturing location.
