by Brad Anderson
- Magotan and Sagitar sedans will be exported from China to the Middle East.
- Jetta-branded models are confirmed for export to several Central Asian markets.
- VW plans to launch around 50 new energy vehicles in China by decade’s end.
China’s automotive market often serves as a proving ground for global carmakers, and Volkswagen is now taking that strategy abroad. Models originally built in partnership with FAW for Chinese buyers are now set to make their way to the Middle East. The move marks a departure from the company’s “In China, For China” strategy and points to growing confidence that these cars can also win over customers in other regions.
The first models to be exported by VW from China will be the Magotan and Sagitar sedans. These two models share a lot of similarities, although the Magotan is considerably longer and is based on the latest-generation VW Passat sold in Europe. Sales of the two models will start in the Middle East in November. It’s possible they could be badged as the Passat and Jetta, although this has yet to be confirmed.
Read: 2025 VW Magotan Is The New Passat Sedan We Never Got
Alongside these sedans, VW and FAW have confirmed that Jetta-badged models will also head abroad at a latter stage, with Central Asian countries first on the list. Each export model has been modified to meet the requirements of overseas markets, although details on whether Chinese-spec powertrains will carry over remain unannounced.
Jetta Expansion
VW is remaining tight-lipped about its plans, but in late August, it confirmed that big changes were afoot with the Jetta brand. The car manufacturer will introduce four NEVs (new energy vehicles) under the Chinese Jetta brand. All four models will be “for the entry-level market,” and in addition to electrified powertrains, they’ll feature advanced driver-assistance systems.
The automaker believes that compact models will account for roughly half of China’s new energy vehicle market by 2030, and those priced under 100,000 yuan ($14,000) are expected to be the most popular. The first of the new electrified Jetta models will land in 2026.
The electrification of the Jetta brand isn’t all the company is doing. By 2030, the group expects to launch roughly 50 new energy vehicles in China. Of these, 30 will be battery-electric vehicles.