2013 Audi A3

Early look at VW’s upcoming ‘Robust’ pickup

 
3 12,640 views Oct 13, 2008

volkswagen robust spy motorauthority 002

New VW pickup won’t be sold in North America or Europe

New VW pickup won’t be sold in North America or Europe

Enlarge Photo
The long-awaited and much anticipated Volkswagen Robust pickup truck has been canceled for European and North American sale, but the project is still alive and kicking as indicated by the recent ‘Pickup’ concept vehicle unveiled at last month’s 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover, Germany.

The United States was expected to be the vehicle’s single biggest market but analysis of fuel prices and market demand prompted VW to change its original plans and only offer it in emerging markets such as South America, Russia and possibly China. Those markets are quickly becoming important not just in terms of making a brand presence, but also for overall sales figures.

Russia recently outpaced Germany as Europe's biggest car market, and China isn't far behind. South America has demonstrated its growth potential over the past several years with Ford, VW and others considering more exports and market-specific vehicles, especially in Brazil.

Production is expected to take place at VW's factory in Argentina, with exports to Russia and China. As the spy photos and concept vehicle demonstrate, the new Robust will be available as a medium-sized four-door dual-cab vehicle with a short bed.

Our renderings of the vehicle show what it might like in civilian guise and free of all the camouflage, and in other form factors. The SUV variant depicted could also be a logical extension of the platform, though VW hasn't yet announced any such plans. A single-cab model should also be available in addition to the dual-cab variant, and different cargo area treatments will also be available.
2010 Volkswagen Robust pickup spy shots
2008 Volkswagen Pickup Concept
2010 Volkswagen Robust pickup preview

HI-RES GALLERY: volkswagen robust spy motorauthority 002

HI-RES GALLERY: 2008 volkswagen pickup concept motorauthority 008

HI-RES GALLERY: 2010 volkswagen robust preview 003




Tags:
Posted in:
 
Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
Comments (3)

  1. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 10/13/2008 3:13pm PDT

    Would have been good here with the diesel engines and maybe the turbo 2 liter for a fun version
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  2. ma_Mike avatar Mike Posted: 10/13/2008 4:37pm PDT

    Seems unoriginal to me, like a cross between the Honda Ridgeline and old Subie Baja. Also, shouldn't this have come out in 1998 when gas was cheap and customer enthusiasm for trucks/SUVs was high? Poor timing.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  3. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 10/13/2008 7:51pm PDT

    Not coming to America and last I checked, fuel prices came down
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Connect with Facebook

Motor Authority. Now with your friends.

Discover stories your friends read.
Share stories more easily.
You control what you share.
Learn more

Research New Cars

Go!


More from High Gear Media

 
 
MotorAuthority
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2011 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.