VW Atlas Gets Some New Gear

In 2019—when vehicle sales were still normal—Volkswagen of America sold 81,508 Atlas crossovers, which made the vehicle third, behind the Tiguan (109,572) and Jetta (100,453).

Whereas the Tiguan was up 22% in ’19 over ’18 and the Jetta up 11%, the Atlas had a year-over-year gain of 37%.

Presumably, VW makes better margins on the largest vehicle in its showroom, so it is an important vehicle.

The VW Atlas Basecamp. (Images: VWoA)

To that end, today the company rolled out with an array of gear inspired by the Atlas Basecamp concept that was revealed at last year’s New York International Auto Show. (Given that this year’s show was supposed to be starting next week were it not for the COVID-19 crisis, which has required the transformation of the Javits Center into a field hospital, VW would have probably used that venue for this styling package.)

Not surprisingly: the Basecamp accessory line.

It includes elements meant to make the seven-passenger vehicle seem more off-roading like. Like a two-tone satin silver and textured anthracite front bumper guards and satin silver rockers. The package is produced for VW by Air Design.

Wheels by fifteen52.

And there are special wheels Atlas models fitted with all-terrain 17s produced by fifteen52.

A Couple Thoughts

With the Atlas, VW has a vehicle that is undoubtedly going to do nothing but increase in popularity in the U.S. market—when vehicle sales return to normal.

And it is good to see that for these accessories they’re going to specialty manufacturers that have serious street/trail cred.