VW's New Pickup Has Genetic Links to an Unfamiliar Chinese Pickup | Carscoops

      The new Amarok for South America will be manufactured in Argentina and will incorporate a hybrid powertrain along with a chassis sourced from China.

      Scheduled for a 2027 release, VW is developing this pickup, which will differ from the Amarok based on the Ford Ranger available in global markets.

      Recently, VW disclosed further details, confirming that the vehicle will be equipped with a hybrid powertrain and built on a ladder-frame chassis from SAIC.

      Unlike the original Amarok, which remains in production in South America after a recent update, this new model won’t be fully engineered in-house. It is a product of VW’s collaboration with the Chinese automaker SAIC. Reports indicate that its design and structure will significantly be influenced by the Maxus Interstellar X, which is also marketed in Australia as the LDV Terron 9.

      According to Motor1 Brazil, VW executives have met with officials from the Argentinian government to discuss the automaker’s $580 million investment in the region. Following this meeting, a government statement confirmed that the new “Amarok Hybrid pickup” will be manufactured at the General Pacheco facility in Argentina.

      While the location for production was previously announced, this update officially verifies the model's hybrid powertrain. In April 2025, Marcellus Puig, CEO of VW Argentina, mentioned that the truck is in co-development with SAIC Group.

      In terms of design, the new Amarok is expected to resemble the dimensions and appearance of the SAIC Maxus Interstellar X, which has a length of 5,500 mm (216.5 inches) and a wheelbase of 3,300 mm (129.9 inches). It may also feature some shared body panels and interior elements, although VW has hinted at a unique front-end style. A sketch suggests a distinctive appearance featuring a full-width LED bar, a compact grille, rugged bumpers, and a sculpted hood.

      The SAIC Maxus Interstellar X is currently offered with a 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine, while its counterpart, the Maxus eTerron 9, boasts an all-electric powertrain. The shared ladder-frame platform accommodates various powertrain options, including hybrids, which VW intends to utilize for this model focused on the South American market.

      The new "Amarok South America" will be available solely in that region, while the standard internal combustion version will continue to cater to customers in other global markets.

      VW’s approach to sharing development expenses for its South American truck mirrors its rival Stellantis, which has developed vehicles like the Fiat Titano, Peugeot Landtrek, and Ram 1200 based on Chinese pickups such as the Kaicene F70 and Changan midsize models.