It will most likely be a small MQB truck.
Volkswagen introduced the Atlas-based Tanoak truck design to North American customers in 2018, which was then followed by the U.S. The Tarok pickup was first introduced in April 2019. These were not mere design exercises. Volkswagen is analysing the possibilities of launching a truck production model in America.
Scott Keogh (VWGA CEO) said that the German manufacturer is currently looking at three options for a possible truck release to the United States. Keogh spoke out about these options in an interview with Automotive News. He suggested that one option is more likely than others.
First, although it seems unlikely, Volkswagen could homologate an Ford Ranger-derived body-on-frame truck to replace the Amarok in the rest of the world. The automaker may also release a production version the Tanoak that uses the Atlas SUV’s underpinnings.
This third option appears to be the most probable. Volkswagen may debut an A-segment MQB-based pickup, which will be made in Mexico and imported to America. Modular architecture allows the company to use almost any engine it chooses, even powerful V6 motors.
To Automotive News, Keogh said, “The question that we have is, can something like this make sense? With modifications?” The theory is simple: It’s an A segment sized vehicle. There is no pickup truck on the U.S. markets that is this size. This could mean that if you extend the bed in terms of what can be done with the second row and what can be done with the tailgate, you get roughly the length of a B segment pickup.
Keogh will make the final decision, as Herbert Diess, Volkswagen Group CEO, has already confirmed that it is his job.