Volkswagen shows off new emergency services vehicles
Prototype VW Passat pursuit and Amarok fire and rescue vehicles debut at AFAC23Volkswagen Australia has shown off a pair of new prototype emergency services vehicles at the AFAC23 exhibition in Brisbane.
The new VW Passat Proline police pursuit car and Amarok Style V6 Proline fire and rescue ute have been developed and built to specifically cater to emergency services.
Volkswagen already supplies all Australian states and territories with emergency services vehicles, including highway patrol versions of the Passat and ambulance versions of the Tiguan, but the new prototypes are based on the latest Passat wagon and all-new Amarok ute.
However, the Passat sedan has already been axed globally and the wagon will be discontinued by the end of this year in Australia, where the all-new ninth-generation Passat wagon won’t be available to the public.
Despite this, Volkswagen Australia is keen highlight the similarities between its Proline models and the vehicles available to private individuals Down Under.
“Year to date, we have sold more than 1400 Passat Proline wagons and sedans, and almost 600 Tiguan Allspace Proline – and counting,” said Volkswagen and Cupra Australia’s national fleet sales manager, Regine Zschernig.
“There are no alterations to brakes, engines or drivetrains. So aside from the Proline adjustments, the police and ambulance have selected Volkswagen cars and SUVs that are essentially the very cars that the public drive.”
Proline versions of the both the Passat and Amarok are fitted with bespoke interior trims, upgraded alternators and provisions for a dual-battery set-up.
Interior changes for the Passat are headlined by an integrated infotainment system enabling easy activation of lights and sirens through the standard OEM multi-media screen.
Volkswagen says this removes the need for multiple screens inside the cabin, which in turn saves space, reduces build costs and weight, and improves occupant safety.
The system can be installed on any VW model destined for an emergency service fleet, including the new Amarok that’s currently under evaluation by various state services.
All VW Proline vehicles are backed by Volkswagen Australia’s five-year warranty and service Care Plans.
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