Another way to go would be a unibody pickup.
By Adrian Padeanu, Motor1.com
A deeper collaboration between Volkswagen
and Ford would generate an automotive juggernaut, one that could have
an important impact on the pickup truck segment. Even though the “Amarok” nameplate
was registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office
(USPTO) nearly one year ago, the utilitarian vehicle is nowhere to be
found in VW’s U.S. lineup. However, that could change in the years to
come if the folks from Wolfsburg and Dearborn will reach an agreement
for a stronger tie-up.
In an extensive interview with Automotive News, VW Group CEO Herbert Diess said that although a decision regarding a U.S.-bound pickup truck has not been made, the Amarok might have a future there. That being said, it will only happen if VW and Ford
will reach an agreement to cooperate on a jointly developed pickup, one
that “would be then appropriate for sales worldwide,” including the
United States.
He went on to mention VW is also analyzing the prospects of a unibody
pickup truck to sell in the U.S., but Diess admitted it would be a move
“a bit risky” to make. Speaking of a unibody truck, let’s keep in mind
VW introduced just last week at the São Paulo International Motor Show
the Tarok concept (pictured above)
set to go into production with “barely any changes.” It will soon be
launched on the Brazilian market, but don’t be too surprised if it will
end up in other countries as well.
Getting back to the interview,
the VW Group CEO said pickup trucks are representing “a very American
segment” and the company’s existing products can be tailored to the U.S.
market, with Diess adding VW has “the toolbox to satisfy America.”
Beyond
pickups, VW is thinking about establishing a new factory to assemble
electric vehicles for North America. In addition, the existing plant in
Chattanooga might eventually be expanded to build EVs and/or derivatives
of the Atlas SUV.
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