(November 17, 2011) Motor Trend magazine today named the Volkswagen Passat the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year.

The Motor Trend award is one of the premiere annual automotive awards in the U.S.

“Chassis, steering, ride, and handling all are tastiest within this segment,” said Motor Trend editor-in-chief, Angus MacKenzie. “It’s in this category the bigger Passat really demonstrates its engineering excellence.”

The 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year award was presented to Jonathan Browning, president and CEO, Volkswagen of America, during a press conference at the L.A. Auto Show.

“Volkswagen is extremely proud to receive this honor,” said Browning. “This recognition from Motor Trend is a testament to the engineering integrity of the Passat and validates our strategy of providing a US-built, German engineered mid-size sedan at a price in the heart of the mid-size segment.”

On sale since September 2011, the Passat is built at Volkswagen’s state-of-the art factory in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Last year's winner was the Chevrolet Volt.