VW Shanghai Car Headed for North America

Volkswagen AG’s China joint venture Shanghai Volkswagen Automobile Co. Ltd. reportedly will develop a new car for sale both locally and in North America.

The new model will be a follow-up to the Passat Lingyu, produced by the JV owned by VW and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp., but will mark the first time Shanghai Volkswagen has participated in the research and development of a vehicle targeted at the global market, Reuters says.

Volkswagen is the second multinational car maker in recent weeks to announce plans to import Chinese cars into North America. Chrysler Group said earlier this month it had firmed up a deal with China’s Chery Automobile Ltd. to produce small cars for sale worldwide, including in the U.S.