If you’re in the market for a Volkswagen model pickup truck in the US, you may want to start exploring other options. Volkswagen has officially ruled out introducing a pickup truck in the US market. Notwithstanding the fact that a freshly minted electric pickup truck is slated to emerge from its off-road Scout precursor.
Volkswagen’s long-rumored pickup truck won’t be launched in the US market anytime soon.
Although the automaker had been teasing its followers with hints of a VW-branded pickup’s potential introduction in the US market, it now seems that this is no longer an option being considered.
Pablo Di Si, Volkswagen Group America’s CEO, remarked at the recent Chicago Auto Show that “it’s no longer in the plans.”
Although Volkswagen’s 2020 partnership with Ford involved developing a mid-size pickup truck, this model will not be introduced in the US market. The Volkswagen Amarok’s development heavily draws from Ford’s latest Ranger platform, with a global presence spanning Europe, Asia, and Africa, excluding North America.
Despite widespread speculation about a US release of the VW-branded Amarok as the “Ranger”, this aspect of the agreement ultimately failed to materialize.
Volkswagen hinted at the Tarok pickup concept in 2019, posing the question: “Can America adapt to a compact pickup’s return?”
The new pickup was largely built upon the same platform as its SUV counterparts, the Atlas and Tiguan, sharing a common length of 193 inches. Despite being 5 inches shorter than the Atlas, its foldable rear cabin wall allowed for accommodating items up to 73 inches in length. Currently available in South America, it will remain exclusive to that market, with no plans for a US release.
The highly anticipated VW Scout EV pickup has finally arrived.
Despite shelving plans for a Volkswagen-branded pickup, the company is still poised to introduce a truck in the US market.
In a move that signals a commitment to electrification and nostalgia, Volkswagen acquired the rights to the iconic Scout brand in 2021, paving the way for the rebirth of this classic vehicle as an all-electric offering.
“When announcing the relaunch of the iconic Scout brand, CEO Scott Keogh emphasized that the rugged SUV model’s spirit would be brought to life.” The Rivian R1T was designed to pioneer a new class of off-road SUVs, pre-empting the entry of competitors like Ford’s Bronco and General Motors’ Chevy Blazer onto the market.
Dating back to the early 1960s, Scout’s pioneering spirit laid the foundation for the tough and iconic pickup trucks that dominate modern roads.
Unlike many Volkswagen and Audi designs, he clarified that Scout’s electric vehicles will be specifically tailored for the US market.
This innovative platform is specifically engineered and developed from the ground up, distinguishing itself as an original creation rather than a modified iteration of Volkswagen’s MEB platform. Keogh described it as a “100% successful, American, robust, and comprehensive platform,” highlighting its reliability and scope.
The all-electric truck and SUV from Scout are poised to make their market debut during the third quarter of this year. Keogh stated that the design is “almost complete”, with just a few remaining details to finalize.
Formerly renowned for his contributions to Jeep and Ram designs at Stellantis, Chris Benjamin was entrusted with leading the rugged electric vehicle’s design. Scout is expected to begin construction at its manufacturing facility in South Carolina by the early stages of this year. As soon as production reaches its full capacity, the company intends to manufacture around 200,000 electric vehicles annually. Manufacturing is scheduled to begin in 2026, with shipments anticipated shortly thereafter.
