2012 Volkswagen Passat to Boast Faurecia Elements

One of the biggest automotive suppliers in the world, Faurecia, is to lend its technology to the all-new 2012 Passat, which is to be built at Volkswagen's new Chattanooga, Tennessee, plant. These technologies will be found inside, outside and under the car, as the company brags.

Elements include complete exhaust systems, manual front seat structures and power front seat backrests for the vehicle.

In fact, Faurecia supported the design and development of unique emissions control packages for three of the engines that will be available in the Passat: a 2.5l gasoline engine, a 2.0l TDI clean diesel and a 3.6l VR6 unit.

In addition, the interior of the new Passat will feature instrument panels from Faurecia Interior Systems. Faurecia has installed technology for the production of a foamed, soft slush skin that is dedicated to the Passat instrument panels. The Automotive Exteriors business group provides a lightweight front-end carrier, a support structure for the vehicle's grille, headlamps, bumper, fan and other components.

"Faurecia is pleased to be playing a key role in the development and production of the new Passat, with major systems furnished by every one of our business groups, including Faurecia Automotive Seating, Emissions Control Technologies, Interior Systems and Automotive Exteriors," stated Faurecia North America President Mike Heneka.

Volkswagen considers the new Passat to be a transformational car in the company's growth plan for the U.S. market, and Faurecia has committed production in 10 plants, including five in the U.S., to supply a full range of systems and components for the vehicle.