Remember the sleek Volkswagen Passat B8 that was paraded around at the brand's Das Event last year? For those who have been wondering when the eight-generation D-segment competitor will make its official Malaysian debut, Volkswagen Group Malaysia's (VGM) managing director, Armin Keller, has the answer.
In an interview with BFM 89.9, Armin revealed that the B8-generation Passat will be launched in the first quarter of 2016. Unfortunately, additional details surrounding the car in terms of its specifications and whatnot remain unknown - for now. He did, however, mention that more models (which includes the Golf GTE) will be added in to augment the range. Said models will be introduced as CBU units initially.
Aside from that, the interview also revealed Volkswagen's steps in its continuous onslaught to improve the brand's after-sales service. Touching on the issue of its DSG gearbox, Keller commented that there are no more issues surrounding said gearbox - problems were apparently solved over half a year ago.
He also added that Volkswagen wasn't the only brand facing technological issues as other manufacturers who have dabbled in more high-tech equipment will inevitably run into teething problems. Additionally, vehicle parts are now delivered on a daily basis throughout the Klang Valley to help cope with the shortage of parts - deliveries are made twice a day if need be.
Improvements in terms of after-sales services have also been marked with the introduction of courtesy cars at Volkswagen service centres while Keller himself has stated that waiting periods at said centres are now down to two days for regular maintenance works and six for more major repairs.
On the production side of things, there are plans to make Malaysia a regional hub with locally-assembled cars exported to neighbouring markets. The first step is already underway, according to Keller, as the brand prepares to export its a batch of Polo models - assembled in Pekan - to Indonesia. Following on, Keller mentions that there are plans to export locally-assembled Volkswagen cars to Thailand in the future.
GALLERY: Volkswagen Passat B8 in Malaysia
GALLERY: Volkswagen Golf GTE
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