
The Volkswagen Arteon is again delayed in arriving at U.S. dealerships, according to CarBuzz. Volkswagen missed its original deadline of delivering the CC successor to the U.S. by the end of 2018 due to delayed emissions testing and certification, which is again the reason why the sedan likely won’t reach U.S. shores until at least this spring.
In September of last year, Europe began requiring all registered vehicles to meet the new Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). The new emissions test replaced the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) born in the 1980s. However, automakers are struggling to receive certifications for their vehicles due to the high number of models needing to be tested.
Automakers are prioritizing models and powertrains that will sell well on the continent. The engine that’s delaying the Arteon is the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mill, which produces 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with an eight-eight-speed automatic gearbox. The engine isn't from Volkswagen; it’s from Audi, which is behind on getting WLTP certifications.
The delay will likely hurt sales in the U.S. Sedans are selling poorly as consumers flock to crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks with some domestic automakers discontinuing sedans altogether from their lineups. The Arteon’s delay will only make selling the sedan in the U.S. that much more difficult.