This is why I (and a lot of others on this forum) insist on the dealer telling me the VIN for a custom order ASAP. It should be easily available as soon as your car is actually scheduled to be built - yes, that's right, before the actual build takes place.

If there isn't a VIN then your car hasn't been built yet (end of story, no excuses, and no flim flam "explanations"). Once you have the VIN you can look for it on the shipping tracking system. If it isn't on the tracking system then it isn't on its way to Oz (and you can expect big delays in taking delivery if it hasn't been built yet).

Some dealers seem very reluctant to give out the VIN. I have yet to be given a good reason for this behaviour. I believe that is often an indication of either a problem with the build and/or order, or possibly a shonky dealer who may be thinking about selling "your" car to someone who is willing to pay more for quicker delivery.

Some individual salespeople may be inexperienced in accessing the VIN and other details on the various VAG computer systems, but the dealer's stock controller should be easily able to find out what is happening and give you all the relevant info (that is their job).

Good luck with getting a car. Are you willing to consider a different (new) passat that has already been built ? It may not be exactly what you ordered, but it may save you several months of waiting.