Volkswagen says US pickup is back on the table

[Bayou_Flyer]

Yeah, I don't need a big truck (though I do like them), so this would be a great compromise. The small gas-powered trucks in the US market aren't nearly fuel efficient enough for my TDI-spoiled brain!

This could be a conversation much like I have when filling up the Golf:

"Hey, what truck is that?"
"Oh, the new VW Amarok. We're doing some testing for the US market."
"Ah, ok. You're putting diesel in it?"
"Yeah, and it gets 36mpg highway! You could go 700 miles on one tank! And that is having 4WD and a 6000lb towing capacity"
"Wow, I only get about 350 miles per tank with my truck; that thing uses half the fuel I do!"
"Yep, but VW doesn't think anyone wuold be interested. If you like it, take this card and let VW know on their site."

 

[kjclow]

And then VWOA would ignore everyone, like normal!

 

[Bayou_Flyer]

Sad.....but true to an extent. Perhaps we'll get it eventually, but only after the market is cornered by other manufacturers. Then they'll point out how much of a failure it is.

 

[scott1050]

do you guys think VWOA even knows of this website???

 

[woofie2]

do you guys think VWOA even knows of this website???

Oh they know of it, but do they frequent it or listen, maybe not.

Getting the Golf R in America was a multi-dimensional multi-pronged approach.
there were face book pages, VW vortex pages, letter writing and emailing campaigns.
I would suspect that if we could drum up enough people to contact VW they might rethink the TDI truck offering. but it is pretty hard to drum up support when all you have are a few drum sticks.

 

[Bayou_Flyer]

Yes, but those electronic-based campaigns are consumers pleading to VW for a product deemed unworthy of our market (yet Phaeton was...hmmmm). VW should have the cajones to put this truck on the US auto show circuit to see what people think when the vehicle they can view/touch is something real and not a jpeg on a website. If it is as good as the Euro/S.Am reviewers say, VW has nothing to be afraid of in putting this truck on display.

C'mon VW, get out there and seek real, honest input/feedback from Joe Public. If Amarok looks doable in NA/Can, then we'll give you some time to tool up the TN plant to avoid the chicken tax. Of course, when the price of fuel peeks, the politicians might help you out and get rid of that tax altogether. But if you don't have your, ehem, stuff together ahead of time...the ship will sail w/o you!

 

[Steve-o]

Problem is, I am so spoiled by the mpg of my TDI that EVERYTHING for sale non-tdi drinks way too much fuel!

I hear you there, brother. When I think about what I might buy in today's market if my JSW were no more, hybrids being out of the picture for me, I realize I'm so used to the notion of 40-50 mpg that anything else is a guzzler. Even if it's something like a B-class Kia.

 

[Bayou_Flyer]

Sheesh! I made the mistake of looking at vw.com's upcoming and concept cars page: new passat, concept coupe, blue sport, and up! vehicles. There is room for one more vehicle under the passat that could easily be the Amarok (bringing it to the US could be a "concept" and non-commital on this page). Opportunity for free publicity........missed!

Then I went to the VW Facebook page. Wait a second! Is that a post about a VW truck on the VW Facebook site? Yes, but it was someone asking about VW making a truck like the rabbit-based ute in the 80s. Sadly, only one response out of 12 mentioned the "smallish" Amarok (almost as if no one in North America knows about that truck...hmmm).

Finally, I go to the VW concept/future car blog page on the same site. Same above-mentioned cars.......but, hey, VW shows their "hip" side by throwing out a real opinion poll for the masses:


Question:



What would you like to see in the future from VW?

• Rally-race-ready autopilot.
• Hoverboards.
• The supersonic GTI.
• Beam me up, Germany.
• Far fewer Internet polls

WOW! That's hard-hitting consumer research! No wonder VW has is disconnected from the North American market...another wasted opportunity.

Here's a good topic for VW's next poll: "what future North American vehicle would you like to see from VW?", or "do you think there is a market for a light diesel pickup truck in the US and Canada?" You can even keep the idiotic polls for the kiddos...you know the ones who enjoy your current intellectual style but can't buy a used Jetta much less a new VW. Heck VW, just hire me instead. I can only work part time though, as my flying career takes priority. But hey! If I can come up with these ideas in an evening, I should be a bargain for the company!

Another shameless plug for a vehicle that VW thinks is no good for North America... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5glTwtzwR0

 

[dubStrom]

NA Amarok? no, but Tiguan?

Periodically, I send a message to VW and ask about TDI models. Can't hurt I suppose. So I told them that my wife's AWD Subaru Legacy Wagon is going to need replacement and that we'll consider Tiguan TDI if it is offered. Then I mentioned that if they offer Amarok I'll buy one (2D, 6MT). I actually got a long reply. I won't post it, but here are two quotes of interest.

1st:
"Currently, the Tiguan TDI is still under consideration for release into the U.S. market. We have no further details at this time."

2nd
"At this time, the Amarok does not meet our marketing objectives for the United States; therefore, we have no plans to offer this model in America."

Something tells me this quote might be the official response language and might be posted earlier.

But Tiguan would do nicely replacing the Legacy, and Subaru's lineup is more expensive now. Honda CRV 4WD and Toyota RAV-4 4WD would be the direct competition. Escape/Tribute is bigger now.

I know this thread is about Amarok (hence the above quote), but if you like the idea of a Tiguan TDI, make some noise (email VW.com).

 

[brenthye]

I can tell you a big reason why VW won't bring the Amarok, or any other truck for that matter, to the US. Chicken tax. Sounds strange, but it's politics at its best and a funny read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_tax It tells a few ways some circumvent it (Think Suby Brat!) The only way they could economically do it is to tool up that Chatty plant or build an entirely new one which would only add more cost to a product that won't likely be a major sales hit. Would I buy one? Yes. would the average truck buyer? probably not in major numbers. My $.02

 

[kjclow]

Based on the wikipedia article, why can't VW import the Amarock in knockdown kit and assmeble in Chattanooga? Only pay 4% tax and gives the consumers, at least us, what they want.

 

[Bayou_Flyer]

I had the same thought.....do just what mercedes did for the Sprinter. After reading the wiki link, I only saw mention of the delivery vans and two door trucks. Has the Chicken Tax been modified to include 4-door trucks?

The attached links at the end of the wiki page are interesting as well. One mentioned that US chicken is still under a tariff, so I can't see the Chicken Tax ending anytime if that's the case.

 

[scott1050]

well I have decided that VW wont bring this truck to the states so I have went out and got another Ram 1500

 

[redlinedave]

do you guys think VWOA even knows of this website???

I bet they even pay for part of it. There are no adds, we are not asked to pay to help keep the site up. Think of the monthly cost of this site. Who pays for it?

 

[dzldawg]

I know I read an article that VWOA wants to be the number one auto seller in NA. I think bringing this to NA markets could help them accomplish that goal. I would buy one in a second. I was ready to buy the light truck diesel offerings the big three were suppose to have this year before it got scrapped. This Amorak would be appealing to more than they think.

 

[Mike_04GolfTDI]

I bet they even pay for part of it. There are no adds, we are not asked to pay to help keep the site up. Think of the monthly cost of this site. Who pays for it?

This explains it:
http://www.tdiclub.com/thanks/thanks.html

Fred is real. We live in the same town, and I've met him. Even helped work on his car when he was doing an injector nozzle swap at a get together.

Last time I was at the local VW dealer, I asked if they've heard of TDI club and the guy instantly barked "NO!" I could tell that this question was a sore-spot. This is at the VW dealer in the town where the TDI Club founder lives. I think they've been told to deny that it exists. I'm pretty sure VW does not contribute to this site, and in fact wished it didn't exist.

 

[woofie2]

I think they've been told to deny that it exists. I'm pretty sure VW does not contribute to this site, and in fact wished it didn't exist.

That is my bet too, but you will never find written documentation saying this. I know a few VW dealers who Troll forums, basically to keep tabs on the local groups, but they will publicly deny involvement with clubs other than the Official VW Clubs.
if the group is not publicly sponsored by VW then it is close to a copyright infringement.
It is pretty obvious that VWoA trolls on VW vortex, and some of the larger sites, some of the workers even post tips, howtos and other tidbits on personal time.

 

[diesel313]

Dear Mr. Jacoby:

Like a large number of other Americans, I own a rapidly-aging American work-horse diesel pickup ('95 Dodge Ram Cummins, used to haul horses) which I am eager to replace before everything but the engine completely falls apart (and that day is fast approaching). Unfortunately, American pickup manufacturers have completely lost my confidence. You couldn't pay me enough to persuade me to own another Dodge and accept its congenital quality problems, and anyway all that the American diesel pickup manufacturers are offering nowadays is "vacation condos on wheels", not honest work trucks. Further, with the archaic diesel technology which American manufacturers are so wedded to, the fuel economy of their current offerings is simply unacceptable. I think you'd be surprised to discover that there are really very few 'Ford guys' or 'Dodge guys' or 'Chevy guys' left in this country...nowadays we're mostly just guys who are looking for trucks that will get the job done, reliably and economically...and we're not finding any.

For good or ill, America still runs on pickup trucks, and will for years to come. Introduce into this market a working-strength diesel pickup incorporating VW's world-beating diesel technology and passion for superb engineering, and support that introduction with smart marketing and a sensible advertising budget, and VW could own this market in a few short years.

the whole world gets all the goodies while we get 7.1 liter f350's that get 11 miles per gallon. uselessssss

id love to buy a ford ranger or chevy colorado with a nice 4 cylinder diesel motor that brings out 30+ miles per gallon, but noooo it has to be a gasoline 4.0 that gets 14 miles a gallon. ridiculous.

 

[considering a tdi]

TDI Truck

Any idea when and if a TDI pickup truck will ever be available in the USA? I'd be the 1st in line for one if they do indeed ever come to life

 

[kjclow]

I don't want a 150/1500 pickup, even if it is a diesel. I want at most a dakota sized and really want the tacoma or frontier size. I just don't need a full sized truck.

 

[considering a tdi]

I'd be happy with a smaller compact truck if it had the TDI under the hood! Just would be great to see VW build a truck of this size for the diesel consumer.

 

[German_1er_diesel]

So you think the Amarok would be too large and you'd prefer to see something the size of a current Ranger?

 

[considering a tdi]

I'd be thrilled to see VW build a TDI pickup truck of any size! I'd buy one in a heartbeat as long as it was powered by the TDI!!

 

[KMWilliams]

So you think the Amarok would be too large and you'd prefer to see something the size of a current Ranger?

Ford has been making a diesel Ranger for years. Just not for the US market. Some BS about not enough demand to make it comply with US 50 state emissions.

 

[dubStrom]

UK fleet

Lots and lots of choices in the UK for trucks, all available in diesel flavor. Check out VanMan. They've got the side tilting dumpers, flipside beds in every shape and form, and yes, Ranger 2.5l CR diesel 4x4 in single, extra, and double cab. And lots more. It is a real treat to search through the brands and models. They used to post prices. No more. Must register. The new net. Amarok is available in Mexico and South America, but should be in the UK long before we ever get to see one (if ever).

VWs new Caddy looks like a pregnant Golf. Look at the various engine options... a few that are smaller than 2L CR Diesel. drool. drool. Check out the Toyota Hilux Extra Cab 4X4 in 2.5L CR diesel. No fuel pump issues. Where do I sign?

 

[TDIMeister]

I'd be thrilled to see VW build a TDI pickup truck of any size! I'd buy one in a heartbeat as long as it was powered by the TDI!!

We've gone over 560 posts to discuss that it's not in VW's corporate plans to do that in North America. Sad, but that's where we're at.

 

[dubStrom]

We've gone over 560 posts to discuss that it's not in VW's corporate plans to do that in North America. Sad, but that's where we're at.

I know, it is pitiful. Here we are in the kitchen, eating our ramen noodles, begging for bits and pieces of the TDI line to be offered to our NA market. Limited TDI engine choices, one third of the model choices offered elsewhere. Mebbe we could have just one little Amarok TDI model, please?

over 500 posts? and we know there are no plans, and yet here we are. VW....Pretend you are not listening, and then shock us at the next major car show with an Amarok "concept" for NA market. See how much of an uproar it generates! Chattanooga... a small annex on the NMS complex. Bolt on the bucket, install a DPF exhaust, and roll 'em out!

 

[kjclow]

So you think the Amarok would be too large and you'd prefer to see something the size of a current Ranger?

I don't have the numbers at home, but IIRC, the Amarok is about the same size as the ranger/tacoma/frontier trucks. It is quite a bit smaller than the 1500 chevys and dodges.

 

[Laserface]

the whole world gets all the goodies while we get 7.1 liter f350's that get 11 miles per gallon. uselessssss

id love to buy a ford ranger or chevy colorado with a nice 4 cylinder diesel motor that brings out 30+ miles per gallon, but noooo it has to be a gasoline 4.0 that gets 14 miles a gallon. ridiculous.

Lay off the skinny petal. My uncle has a stock F250 and regularly gets 14-15 MPG pulling 5000-7000 lbs on the highway (hauling vehicles from Virginia to Georgia and similar trips). Unloaded, the "lie-o-meter" in the instrument cluster will read 22 MPG on the highway (actual is 18-19). A buddy of mine has a lifted F250 that he uses on the farm and (with odometer correction from the larger tires) regular achieves 15 MPG. My 4.0 4x4 Ranger has averaged 18.5 MPG over the 25000 miles that I have been keeping track.

If you do own a truck, you obviously don't drive for economy getting 11 and 14 MPG. If you don't own a truck, you are vastly underestimating their efficiency.

I agree that a small diesel truck would be great. Look up the Mahindra truck. It is a small (think Ranger size) truck that was supposed to be imported from India a few years ago. It has since gotten bogged down in legal battles, but Mahindra is still assuring everyone it will get here eventually. I believe it will only be available in a diesel (and with only an automatic).

 

[Lightflyer1]

I drove one in India a few years back (Mahindra truck). Been waiting here in Texas ever since. Every once in a while I get an email from them saying .... soon!