[VW Atlas News]

After Volkswagen’s Dieselgate scandal, potential car buyers may be a bit wary of their diesel powered models. But VW thinks the Russian market is a viable option for their small 2-liter diesel Atlas SUV.

Starting at the end of next year, Volkswagen will be exporting the Atlas from their production plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Russia. When asked of its availability, an executive told Automotive News Europe that the 2-liter diesel Atlas is “unlikely” to be sold in Western Europe. At the 2016 LA Auto Show, VW brand's sales and marketing boss, Juergen Stackmann, was quoted saying: "Russia is one of the markets we're considering."

The Atlas is VW’s largest ever SUV with an overall length greater than 5,000 mm (196,85 in). We don’t know the exact power specifications of the small diesel engine, but it could be offered in different tunes for varying power output levels.

On the other hand, the large seven seater will be offered with a 238 HP 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 280 HP 3.6-liter six-cylinder petrol engine in the U.S. Even the slightly modified variant destined for the Chinese market is limited to a 186 HP and 220 HP 2.0-liter petrol engine and a 2.5-liter V6.

For those of you stateside, the Atlas should launch in the spring on 2017.

 

[northstar]

Anyone familiar with what happens on that end of the world wouldn't be entirely surprised by this move since for example the Audi Q7 comes with a 3.0 TDI. So when you look at the broader picture like that, all the signs are there.

 

[BigChuck]

Those guys up there are dominated by diesel engines. As much as there's talk about diesel scandals and what not down here in NA, they're still making sales especially when looking at the big pickup truck market.. which obviously is the largest segment in terms of sales. But, we don't really have many diesel SUVs running about so give it to the place where you know you'll maximize sales of it.

 

[WorldAtlas]

If the price is right and it's a model they want, people will overlook the diesel gate scandal. I think sales went up after the scandal because VW was trying to offload their cars at great deals and ppl were just scooping them up. The came would happen to the Atlas if people really want it.

 

[BigChuck]

But they're not going to be trying to off-load the Atlas like they were with the other vehicles that were affected.

 

[Dublin]

They don't have a reason to try and sell the Atlas for a steal of a price or even offer incentives to get them out. I think this will be one SUV that will be able to hold it's own without issue for them.

 

[northstar]

If there's anything to suggest that VW doesn't have to worry about how they position themselves with price its the fact they've been doing well enough in the American market all these decades without even understanding it.

All they have to do is follow the script, price it how other are priced in this segment and let the rest play out.

Very simple.

 

[Batman47]

Diesel engine are being banned in many western countries included Norway because Diesel engines produce Nitrogen Dioxide a powerful cancerous substance. The future of SUV production in the world is going to be the Hybrid engine, i.e. petrol + battery. Once the diesel engines are banned in the EU, you will have to sale your car by peanuts.

 

[BigChuck]

Just for clarification, what do you mean by VW not understanding the American market?

 

[northstar]

They've been report to not doing enough research to understand what the American market wants, much unlike most car makers, they just offered us mostly what's sold elsewhere. NOW we're seeing products that better represent the American market such as the Atlas.

 

[BigChuck]

Ah yes okay okay.

Well, nonetheless, I'm sure this will do well and it does seem very promising. Also, in my opinion, this is the best looking SUV on their lineup by far. Definitely looks a lot more "american" too

 

[Atlasuno]

I'm moving from a diesel Sprinter passenger van to the Atlas, and won't miss the exhaust stench or engine noise. I'm getting about the same mileage as the Atlas is rated for. Diesel exhaust, with it's small particulate issues, is especially unhealthy. VW is moving in the electric vehicle direction, and I only wish an Atlas hybrid was ready for market. I'd bet you'll see one in just a year or two.