VW News: Rumorpile: Volkswagen Reconsiders Truck Plan For The U.S.

[William Maley]

Since Volkswagen launched the Amarok pickup in 2009 in certain parts of the world, it has become a success for the company. It has also made many people in the U.S. clamor Volkswagen to bring the Amarok here. Before the model was launched, Volkswagen was considering selling it in the U.S. However the decision was made that the Amarok wouldn't be a good fit. But Volkswagen appears to be reconsidering their decision.

"It's a question mark, but it starts to be discussed. Let's put it this way: we start to discuss it again and whether it's attractive for us," said Volkswagen North American CEO Michael Horn to Autoblog.

But don't think the current Amarok will be coming to the U.S.

"We are just reworking our truck strategy, and this is part of thinking about it. But the Amarok fits not very well to the efforts of the market," said Dr. Heinz-Jakob Neußer, head of Volkswagen Group powertrain development.

What could this mean? Well it could mean the next-generation Amarok could grow in size to meet the tastes of the U.S. or that a new model for the U.S. is on the table. One thing is for certain; this is mostly theoretical for the moment.

Source: Autoblog

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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[David]

Looks like it would compete against the Canyon/Colorado if it came as is to the US market. But if the grow it to compete in the full class market that is already packed, I do not see them being successful.

They would do best to go after the deserted mini and medium size truck market that many people would love to have.

[Drew Dowdell]

But they'd have to build it here... and with the current state of VW's labor relations, might have a interesting time doing so.

[regfootball]

I don't see a VW truck selling in the US, can you say Routan pt 2

[Guest Walter]

I think it would go good against the Colorado. Maybe they could build it in mexico or tennessee

[2QuickZ's]

I agree with others in that if they kept it midsize, and I mean truly midsize, it would be tapping an under served market segment. The key would be to keep it appreciably smaller than a full size pickup and at least be able to compete on price. That might be tough in the lower range trim levels but I would think it easy in the higher ranges. Or, come with a small, fuel efficient diesel.

I have owned two Chevy S-10's and two Ford Ranger's and while I would strongly consider another small pickup, I can't envision myself ever being in the market for a full size. They don't fit in my garage, aren't convenient for parking and would rarely be used to tow or haul anything.

[ocnblu]

Yeah, I have admired the Amarok from afar since it came out. It is a handsome small truck, and with VW diesel power, very competitive in the segment. I wish they would have found a way to sell it here years ago.

[David]

If VW decides to go full size for the truck to sell here, they will have made a huge mistake and I honestly do not expect them to succeed.

[regfootball]

New Colorado is not attractive, I suppose if VW made a decent looking rig it may make inroads.

Chevy really half assed it on the Colorado I think. They screwed up the looks of the new full sizers too.

Sat in a new Yukon at the auto show last weekend now that is a NICE interior on a truck.,....

[Drew Dowdell]

GMC's canyon is really nice if you don't like the Chevy

[David]

Right now GMC are the best looking full size trucks and SUV's, last version it was the Chevy's.

Interesting that both divisions cannot seem to get a good long term design language for their auto's.

[Drew Dowdell]

I don't know what you're talking about... GMC has been extremely consistent with their design language

[David]

Just proves personal taste is a fickle thing. I thought the last update on the trucks and SUV's went to Chevy and now the new release of the SUV's and Trucks clearly goes to GMC. Yes there have had consistent design elements, but they tend to go from one extreme on the left to the right. IMHO they have not found the solid center yet, but this might be it from my point of few.

[2QuickZ's]

I may be in the minority here but I actually really like the styling of the Colorado. I definitely think the GMC Canyon looks more classy and upscale but still think the Colorado is attractive. I quite honestly would park either one in my garage if I were in the market for a small pick up.

[ocnblu]

Not that I don't like the new Silvy, but I am glad the Colorado went its own way in front end styling.