Volkswagen is only the most recent brand to show they intend to continue to build sedans for the future with a new Passat in the works.

While we see the “Typical American” brands of Ford and GM that are abandoning sedans and cars, with the FCA team having already turned their backs on sedans and small cars a couple of years ago, we see other brands that are doubling down on these vehicles. What we know is that the new model won’t be completely new, but it will be an upgrade.

A Drop in Sales Calls for an Upgrade

Instead of an entirely new platform and a new generation for the Passat, Volkswagen has decided to keep the platform and the drivetrain while upgrading the exterior and interior to give us a brand new look. This is a response to the fact that sales of VW sedans are also slowing. Rather than dump a large amount of research and development dollars into something that could be all new, the team is going to offer us an upgraded and improved Passat for the future of the drive.

The Sales Numbers

For this year, the sales of the Passat has dropped by 33 percent and dropped six percent the year before that. This means sales were at 73,002 in 2016 and dropped to 60,722 last year with the end of November sales numbers coming in at only 38,285 this year. Even with this drop in overall sales, the Passat is still a profitable model for the brand, giving us a midsize car that’s can be the right model to drive. The sales decline reflects the rest of the market, but there could be a surge in the near future.

Why Keep the Passat Around?

If sales are dipping to the numbers you see, why would the Volkswagen brand keep this model around? The fact is, there are brands that are pulling out of the sedan market that could be where we see an opening in the market for those looking for an excellent midsize sedan. This means those customers who would have looked for the Chevrolet Malibu or the Ford Fusion will have the Volkswagen Passat as the car they choose to drive. That time is coming in the near future when the sedan class is reflective of what the midsized truck segment became a few years ago.

The VW team is betting the Passat will continue to sell well and they might be right. This impressive car is already in testing for a new look and a model that can become the one you want on the road.