Production of the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas has kicked off in Chattanooga.

 Volkswagen Chattanooga is marking the beginning of production of the seven-passenger Atlas.

“The Atlas marks a brand new journey for Volkswagen as we enter deeper into the heart of the American market, moving from a small-car brand towards a more family-friendly lineup,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of the North America Region, Volkswagen. “We are so proud that this vehicle was not only designed for the American market, but we built it in our factory right here in Tennessee.”

The all-new Atlas will arrive in dealerships in 2017.