VW Robust Pick Up, seen under Hilux disguise will probably be named Taro
Volkswagen already confirmed that it will make a mid-size pick up in Germany, South Africa, and Argentina. It is internally called the “Robust Pickup”, or RPU. It will be primarily competing against the Toyota Hilux in emerging market. What is the best way to get to know a competitor? Volkswagen appears to have taken this idea to heart and used a Hilux body as a cover for its new pickup truck. It is expected that the vehicle will be available by the end 2009.
Ironically, Volkswagen’s test mule recalls a past partnership between the Japanese and German automakers. It also suggests the name of the new pickup truck. We can predict that it will be named Taro II or Taro II, although the official name has yet to be released. This is the VW name that VW used to sell a rebadged Hilux, which was manufactured by both Volkswagen and Toyota between 1989 and 1997.
Although it may look like a Toyota Hilux, the vehicle’s wheelbase is longer and the registration plate on the pickup truck indicates that it was registered in Brunswig. This is close to Wolfsburg, where VW has its headquarters. The company uses Brunswig to register prototypes.
Turbodiesels are the most likely engines, but there could be gasoline powerplants available if the plans to export the pickup truck to the USA go through. The pictures show that there will be a Taro with four-wheel drive, similar to the one being tested in Northern Scandinavia.
Rumours suggest that the 2WD version of the truck will be front-wheel drive. However, we prefer a rear-wheel drive pickup truck due to its size and potential heavy duty. According to sources, it can carry up to 1.5 tons.
An SUV built on this platform is also possible, in addition to the Taro (or Taro II). It would be called Volkswagen Namib, and it would be a cheaper option than the Touareg. This helps to explain why the AAC Concept never came to fruition. The Touareg, which is too expensive to import into emerging markets, is extremely sophisticated in European markets.
