Spy Shots: 2010 Volkswagen Robust pickup

Posted Mon Jul 7 2008 11:22 AM by Kenneth Hall

In its quest to overtake Toyota in the sales race, especially in the lucrative U.S. market, Volkswagen is developing a new pickup truck to expand its line-up. These latest spy shots, depicting the new pickup, shows that VW will be targeting the midsize truck market. This particular variant features a short tray and quad-cab chassis.

VW is keen to strengthen its image in the U.S., where sales of pickups are still high compared to the rest of the world. However, VW’s plan may be a little late as rising fuel prices and a slowing economy has seen the pickup truck market fall dramatically over the past quarter. The carmaker has now reportedly killed its U.S. and European plans for the upcoming pickup.

To overcome this, the new model will likely be sold in global markets and to keep costs down production will be handled at a plant in Argentina. A premium version will also be launched although it will be sourced from a plant in Germany. VW is yet to even confirm the development of a pickup, let alone a new name for the vehicle, but most sources claim it will be called the Robust when it goes on sale next year.

New Volkswagen Robust spy shots July 2008

Gallery: Volkswagen Robust pickup spy shots

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Robust pickup spy shots

Reader Comments

Wed May 28 2008 1:18 PM
Turkle says

Here in the U.S. instead of people calling this a "V-Dub", it will quickly be called the "V-Dud!" Even before we started stating that we were in a fuel crisis, I simply would not expect a truck from VW. When I think of this company I do not, in any remote way, think of a truck. I thought it was product suicide for them to sell a mini-van. This notion that a truck from VW will sell in the U.S. is sad.
Wed May 28 2008 2:13 PM
Gus says

I don't know, I think there is still a good demand for mid size trucks, but usually the people buying them are contractors, etc.
I think it will be a quality product, but you might be right, it might be a tough sell to get people to think of VW when thinking of something like this.
Wed May 28 2008 5:04 PM
Rafel says

Maybe is a product for Mercosur(Argentina, Brasil,Uruguay,etc), not for USA or Europe.
I think it'll be a cheap truck.
Wed May 28 2008 9:38 PM
HECTOR says

Wouldn't it be easier for VW just to set fire to a huge pile of cash? Because that's what they're doing... I would have thought they'd look at the Honda Ridgeline and the Ford Sportract and learn the lesson.

And yes Rafel, it'll be a cheap truck with VW prices. So not cheap at all.
Thu May 29 2008 2:06 AM
NaBUru38 says

Rafel, am I mistaken or you are Uruguayan like myself?
Thu May 29 2008 10:24 AM
Alan says

Don't think it's a good move at all with ever increasing petrol price. And the design of the side panel, with a line between cabin and tray doesn't look even remotely VWish. With Sirocco, Passat CC, Tourag and the failed Phaeton all trying to push the brand more up market, why would VW all of a sudden come out with a cheap truck to change that image? Not sure about USA, but i believe here in Australia, VW has sort of become slightly premium in it's image. Sort of better than your Honda, Toyota, but just below BMW, Audi
Thu May 29 2008 11:56 AM
Jim says

The truck market is probably headed back to primarily utility buyers, those who need a truck for work or recreational purposes. What we may see over the next few years is an increase in pay load capacity in mid size trucks. For instance Toyota's Tacoma has a payload of approx. 1500#, while the equivalent Hilux, sold throughout the world has a payload of around 2200# with similar gas mileage.

If this V-dub comes as a car masquerading as a truck it'll rot on the dealer lots.
Thu May 29 2008 6:55 PM
Rafel says

Naburu, I'm spanish ;)
Sat May 31 2008 5:02 PM
NaBUru38 says

I had thought so because you mentioned my country instead of larger, more populated ones. So thanks for considering us so important! :)
Thu Jun 19 2008 3:05 PM
craigs says

I'm from South Africa and VW has had VW pick ups in SA since I was a little kid. They never sold as well as a Toyota truck but they were good sellers.
Mon Jul 7 2008 11:55 AM
Renton says

Other websites had this truck listed as Not coming to the US or Europe now.

anyone else hear this blurb?
Mon Jul 7 2008 11:57 AM
Renton says

Oh....if I read TFA all the way through....
Thu Jul 17 2008 9:39 PM
Sheldon says

Here's an interesting take on the VW Robust:

http://smashgods.com/2008/07/07/vw-robust-this-really-is-your-fathers-automobile/

MotorAuthority