"In particular, this rugged or closed pickup, for instance, as we would call it, where you have the same platform as the pickup."
New Amarok Under Development
Volkswagen has already confirmed that a third-generation Amarok is coming to replace the gen-two launched in 2022. Discussions are underway regarding who will help develop and build it.
One obvious route would be continuing the company's relationship with Ford.
The current Amarok shares much of its DNA with the Ranger, which already has the Everest SUV as a close relative.
Creating a VW-branded counterpart would seem straightforward, though VW must also consider leveraging its Chinese operations – it's already working on an all-new hybrid Amarok for South America based on Chinese tech.
For American buyers, this is mostly an interesting what-if since the current Amarok isn't sold in the US, largely because the chicken tax makes it too expensive to import.
But given the success of body-on-frame trucks like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma in America, maybe VW would consider US production.
Regardless of whether that happens, the thought of a Volkswagen alternative to the Everest, Prado, and other rugged SUVs is intriguing.
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