VW to launch purpose-built pick-up in 2010
VW launches pick-up concept at Hanover show
Volkswagen will become the first European automaker to enter the 1-tonne pick-up market with an original design.
The pick-up was presented at Hanover as a concept called SAR (Search and Rescue).
It’s a smart crew-cab 4x4 pick-up, giving a clear indication of what a ‘lifestyle’ VW pick-up will look like.
Expect an on sale date in 2010.
More basic single-cab versions are expected to be part of the range.
The VW pick-up is based on an all-new platform, and is of traditional body-on-chassis construction. “It is the fourth LCV model of our range and we have developed it from scratch,” said Stephan Schaller, chief executive, VW Commercial Vehicles.
The segment is dominated by Japanese and US manufacturers. It has a relatively low profile in Europe. But it has “high-growth global potential”, said Schaller, and VW's strong presence in Latin America has been a major driver in its decision to build the vehicle. It will be produced at VW’s factory in Argentina from the third quarter of 2009.
Total annual production will be 100,000 pick-ups, and European sales will start in 2010. It will be built in right-hand drive as it’s definitely going to Australia and South Africa, both RHD markets.
VW has dabbled in the pick-up segment before, with the Golf Mk1-based Caddy in the 1980s, as well as a version of the Toyota Hilux in the 1990s, which was sold as the VW Taro.
