In a recent interview with CarBuzz, Volkswagen North America executive Kjell Gruner let it slip that a new pickup would make a fine addition to the automaker’s local lineup.
“I wouldn’t rule it out at all,” Gruner said responding to the reporter’s question of whether any new pickups were planned for the United States and Canada. He added that the company was considering two options: a regular unibody pickup like the Ford Maverick, or a frame-based mid-size truck to rival the Chevy Silverado.
CarBuzz believes that body-on-frame is the likeliest way to go: this segment enjoys a steady demand and isn’t exactly overpopulated in North America. Volkswagen has its Amarok to offer in the unibody market segment (see video). On the other hand, it’s possible that the company will want to redesign its recently facelifted Atlas SUV into a larger alternative to the Amarok.
One way or another, Volkswagen’s truck sales account for up to 30% of its total sales in the region, so we’ll likely see something new from them in the near future.
