Volkswagen Robust Pickup spied
November 24, 2008 by George Skentzos
While the new Volkswagen Robust may have already made its unofficial debut as the Search and Rescue ‘Pickup’ concept, engineers are still adding the final finishing touches to the production model before its release.
Despite the fact these spy images were captured in the US, industry insiders speculate that it won’t be sold in the North American market – or perhaps even Europe.
Instead the new Robust – which should adopt a new name for its production debut, is expected to be sold in Latin American markets and in very low volume across Europe.
This is supported by the fact that all production is anticipated to take place in Pacheco, Argentina rather than VW’s local Hannover operations in Germany.
Volkswagen is expected to make roughly 90,000 examples of the Robust annually, maintaining strong speculation that it will eventually be sold locally here in Australia.
Tags: Volkswagen Robust, Volkswagen Robust Pickup
Anyone else notice the body damage under the rear passenger door?
I hope VW bring out a model with the Search and Rescue rear tray.
this thing looks alot like a HiLux side on…
with VW diesel tech and stringent quality control this should be a new market leader.
toyota should be worried right about now
Funny Daniel W, my anti-spam word was toyota.
Not sure this is the market area VW should be moving into. The article reflects just how low the expected sales numbers are likely to be, so what’s the point? I think they are better off developing further options within their existing market segments – there is plenty of opportunity for further scope there as it is.
I wasn’t happy when I found out Volkswagen were making this car but now I think it’s time this segment had a market leader that wasn’t still a compromise and knowing Volkswagen, it should become the market leader.
I heard that VW Australia was trying to convince them to make a cab chassis version to fit a tray on the back? What the heck is Australia’s obsession with trucks with rear trays, rather than beds? Everywhere else in the world they prefer beds – North America, Asia, Europe. Trays are ugly.
Let’s hope VW does a good job with this vehicle coz it could very well be a winner for them if they do!!
I would certainly consider buying one if it gets good reviews.
if they sell this in Australia along with latin american and some european countries, would that almost make australia as the only market with RHD? If that’s the case, i doubt they will spend the money to convert it into RHD given the low volume.
Toyota had better watch out, VWAG doing this thing for “developing” countries should put the wind up a lot of manufacturers. Market place wise, these countries are more interested in strength and reliability than inclusions. VW have an oportunity to make sure these things are bulletproof before unleashing them on the rest of the world.
Mark, the “Tray back” fixation is purely due to usability. Murphy’s Law states that if need to pick up something out of the tray, the heavier it is, the closer to the cabin it will be! thus necesetating extra lifting in the style side. Plus tray backs can be loaded by forklift with less risk, carry pallets easier, rattle enough to keep the driver awake, are mounted higher and are longer so they make the chances of leaving more interesting marks on surrounding cars greater. ;-)
I Think it looks more like a “German” Navara
In response to Alan regarding RHD version.
Australia (5000) South Africa (unknown) and the UK (2000 to 3000) (also don’t forget some SE Asian countries) will make up the RHD production which I expect to be between 15-20 thousand units which is just around ten percent of production capacity.
LH – Whats the point? well for one this segment is growing each year globally (apart from the US :)).
Also the fight for market share nowadays is in every nook and crannie if your not in a particular segment you lose.
Honda don’t compete in any commercial vehicle segment and they regularly beat Mitsubishi and Nissan in monthly sales.
I should also mention that Honda has increased it’s market share ENORMOUSLY since the early 90s and before. Back then it’s share was approx 2.3%. Today it’s close to 6%. And it’s done so without introducing a single commercial vehicle (pickup, van, or otherwise). Shows that you do not have to compete in all segments to be a success.
Id almost say it would cerainly make it here.
australia is the biggest seller in the world of what is typiclly a jap ute segment
i would say side on it looks more like a Rodeo than a Hilux.
i dont see Hilux in it at all, but plenty of Rodeo
I see much more Hilux in it. Take a look at the windows – how there are slight curves at the back of the rear window, much like the HiLux. The Rodeo on the other hand has very square shaped and upright windows. You can also notice a slight recess in the metal all the way around the window frames, which the Rodeo does not have.
One of these for you in Breeze metallic, Andrew M? Okay, maybe not.
The press (usually a month or two behind)here (UK) have got pictures of an unveiled not just a cgi either try CAR magazine website.
Wonder why VW want to get into sector with a shrinking market unless its a hybrid
Mark,
i disagree,
the hilux is much more rounded particularly rolling towards the rear screen.
I agree that the rodeo sits much squarer all round, and to look at this, i reckon it does too.
Golfie,
well howdy there mate.
im not sure that you would be able to pry me from my current ride for one of these, but dare to try hey??
regardless of the colour, it still wont make up for the terrible comfort one has to put up woth when driving a typical jap ute.
I do hope this changes that mould, but im not too hopefull.
i do think this will be a very strong product against its current competition though.
the only thing that may get me into a dual cab high rider would be if they did a territory dual cab.
at least you could be assured that it would be comfortable to be in, stylish, excellent handling, and with a bonnet scoop representing an I6 Turbo in side, i say paint that one up in breeze and ill sign away.
im actually interested to see how the next ranger scrubs up with it being an aussie desgned platform. i suspect it will be very territory/falcon platform like.
then i would suggest that vehicle may be the first to break the mould.
as it currently stands, i avoid the jap utes for their shocking comfort and terrible drivability.
you can keep the 12 turns lock to lock to yourself
Vehicles like the Hilux and other japanese pickup trucks are designed primarily for third world countries, so comfort is not a huge priority. If you want comfort, look to an American pickup such as a Ford F-150, or alternatively one of the bigger Japanese trucks like the Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan, or Mitsubishi Raider.
well put mark,
but im sure the jap huggers wont like how you said it.
ha ha ha