Volkswagen's Dream Of Entering US Pickup Market Is Still Alive

European and other overseas buyers will one day be able to purchase a Volkswagen version of the Ford Ranger, all thanks to the automakers’ recently forged alliance, but what about North American customers?

The dream of a German pickup in the U.S. is still alive, VW confirms. However, what that truck might look like — and who will build it — is still a question mark.

Last year saw the debut of the Atlas Tanoak concept — a four-door, unibody pickup built on a stretched Atlas platform. Its appearance at the New York Auto Show offered VW execs an opportunity to gauge the public’s reaction.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 3/11/2019 2:02:55 PM

+1 Boost

The North American fully size pick up market is just too big and too lucrative for big brands not to take a shot at it. But come to play. Toyota wasted a decade or more trying to sell inbetweener trucks until they finally came out with the full size Tundra you see today. Which is still only 5/8 the way it needs to be to really compete (dually, diesel, 5th wheel, Crew Cab with long box, Baja Trophy Truck version etc..).

MDarringer - 3/11/2019 6:15:45 PM

-3 Boost

@colecole that is a bigoted statement due to your negative value judgment.

PUGPROUD - 3/11/2019 4:27:00 PM

+1 Boost

Fool's errand...

MDarringer - 3/11/2019 6:15:15 PM

-3 Boost

Ford will build pickups for VW. End of discussion.

ricks0me - 3/11/2019 7:04:49 PM

+2 Boost

Matt said: Ford will build pickups for VW.
Rick said: If it's the other way around, Ford can close up shop.
CanadianComments: Your post is 100% accurate.

mini22 - 3/12/2019 5:22:47 PM

+1 Boost

There is big money in pickup trucks. No reason why VW should not take advantage of it. Now that they have teamed up with Ford this is an area where they will gain Fords expertise. Darringer is probably correct in that they will build them for VW. This is similar when VW and Chrysler teamed up with the mini van.Smart move on VW's part.

YoCarFanto - 3/14/2019 11:08:37 AM

+1 Boost

Toyota builds Tundras for people who like Toyota quality and also pickup trucks. Ford or Chevy owners who don't put to much stress (tow, haul) on their pickups and would like to drive one with Toyota quality.
Toyota has no intention of taking sales from the big three, they just want a piece of the pie and I bet they are happy with what they got so far. They'll never get into the dually or diesel market (check Nissan Titan Cummins slow sales)