According to Automotive News, the Wolfsburg giant trademarked the Atlas name in the States back in April, allegedly so that it would be easier to spell and pronounce than Tiguan or Touareg.
Originally unveiled as the CrossBlue concept in 2013, spy images two months ago showed the newcomer fully undisguised in China wearing the Teramont name, and sporting a V6 badge believed to be the same 3.6-litre FSI unit powering the Touareg. The latest findings however state that the Atlas would be based on the same MQB platform as the Touareg and Audi Q, with production slated for Volkswagen's Chattanooga Plant in Tennessee alongside the US-spec Passat.
Sales are expected commence early next year although Volkswagen will officially debut the Atlas towards the end of this month in California.
IMAGE sourced from carscoops.com
