Robust aspirations for VW pickup
Australia is definitely on the radar for VW's new pickup, says local managementLast week's report on VW's disinterest in bringing its South American Robust LCV to Australia elicited an unexpected response from local PR chief Karl Gehling (more here).
Gehling rang to put us right, saying the workhorse VW is indeed of interest to Australian management and could very well come here if everything adds up. At present, VW has no representation in what is a buoyant market segment here.
Although reports say US dealers have scuttled any idea of an American market for the Robust, Australia has a different pickup climate, says Gehling.
The Robust (its working title at this stage) is, according to Gehling, "definitely" in forward plans although we should not expect to see it here before 2010.
No surprise really because the vehicle won't actually be seen in the flesh – and then in "concept" form -- until Germany's Hannover commercial vehicle show in September.
And right hand drive production won't take place until the left hand drive model is launched for South American markets. Gehling said though that there are "a number of right hand drive markets in this region [Asia Pacific] that would benefit [from the introduction of the Robust]".
Exact details of the Robust are still sketchy, although it is expected to use a conventional front engine, rear-drive layout familiar in the likes of Nissan's Navara, Mitsubishi's Triton and Toyota's HiLux.
Reports that the Robust will be available as a rear wheel drive or four wheel drive support this view.
"I would expect it to be available, given its (4WD's) success in this part of the market" Gehling admitted.
Stories are circulating that while left hand drive production will be at VW's South American plant in General Pacheco, Argentina, the company's Uitenhage plant in South Africa will get the nod for right hand drive production.
As to which engine options would be selected for our market, Gehling says it is as yet "way too early" to speculate. It is expected the Robust will offer a range of four-cylinder petrol and turbodiesel engines, as well as a petrol V6.
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