VW Discusses US Pickup Once More, Potentially as a Range-Extender EV | Carscoops

      VW is eager to create new hybrid SUV models in the United States.

      The company has been contemplating a pickup for several years in the US market. This new vehicle might draw inspiration from the Atlas Tanoak Concept presented in 2019. Hybrid editions of the Atlas and Tiguan are set to debut in the coming years.

      VW has announced intentions to introduce two new hybrid models in the US over the next few years as it aims to regain market share in a sector from which it previously distanced itself. The German automaker is also still exploring the option of launching a pickup truck in North America, but that model has not yet been approved for production.

      Volkswagen is familiar with pickups, as it currently markets the Amarok in various international regions, including Australia, and has previewed a new generation targeted at South America. In 2018, the Atlas Tanoak concept was revealed, followed by the Tarok concept in 2019.

      Discussing Pickup Prospects

      During a conversation with Car and Driver at the New York Auto Show, Volkswagen Group of America president and CEO Kjell Gruner mentioned that the possibility of a pickup truck is still under evaluation. "That’s one of the growth options we are discussing," Gruner stated. While an official decision has yet to be reached, he said, "That’s a discussion we are having this year."

      Gruner also pointed out that if VW decides to proceed with a truck, it wouldn't necessarily adhere to the conventional body-on-frame design. Instead, it might utilize unibody construction and function as a range-extender EV.

      "We need to find the synergies with other vehicles we have in the market, from the platform side and manufacturing side, to make it viable," Gruner explained. "Especially with battery-electric vehicles, I would argue that body-on-frame is unnecessary because you already have rigidity from the skateboard platforms."

      One straightforward option would be to develop a VW pickup using the same platform and powertrain as the upcoming Scout models. However, since both the Scout Terra and Traveller are designed with body-on-frame construction, Volkswagen likely wants to evade internal competition until the new brand gains a foothold in the market.

      Hybrid Initiatives in Focus

      American consumers can also anticipate more than just the potential for a pickup. In the same interview, Gruner mentioned that new hybrids are on the horizon, marking the first hybrid models VW has sold in the US since discontinuing the Jetta Hybrid a decade ago.

      The two new models are likely to be based on the Tiguan and Atlas, following the trend set by other automakers, including Hyundai, by emphasizing traditional hybrids instead of plug-in hybrids.

      Notably, Gruner mentioned that while importing these vehicles from Europe would be quicker, VW prefers to manufacture them in North America. This strategy should not present significant challenges, as the Atlas is produced in Tennessee and the Tiguan in Mexico.

      This approach may enable VW to enhance production efficiency and competitiveness in a market that is increasingly leaning toward electrified vehicles, even though full EV adoption encounters challenges.