Volkswagen ute gets name

The Toyota HiLux and Ford's upcoming 'T6' Ranger will need watch their backs because there's a new name in town -- Amarok.

Volkswagen's new light commercial ute has finally found a name, Amarok, which is derived from the Inuit word for 'wolf'.

Volkswagen has not yet released details or photos of the new Amarok, but it will be based on the German carmaker's pickup concept design that made the motor show rounds in 2008 (pictured).

The new Amarok ute will be built at Volkswagen's Pacheco plant near Buenos Aires in Argentina and will make its global debut in South America later this year, where sales will commence in early 2010.

Later in 2010 the VW Amarok will be launched globally, including Australia.

The new Amarok will be the first commercial ute of its kind to wear a European badge and will enter the one-tonne class which is largely populated by Asian-made products.

Volkswagen's upcoming ute will be the sixth model for the 'Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles' brand, joining the likes of the Transporter and Caddy, and will improve VW's international branding according to Stephan Schaller, CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

"The Amarok lifts our brand into a new, even more international dimension. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is proud to develop, build and sell this vehicle, which is extremely important for the growth of the entire Group and constitutes a logical strategic addition to the global range," explains Schaller.

Developed from the ground up, the Amarok will sit on a new platform as a four-wheel drive double-cab pickup initially. Volkswagen revealed that a single-cab version will be available further down the track but wouldn't elaborate on the timing.

Both petrol and diesel engines are expected to be offered with the new model, and Volkswagen claims "fuel consumption and emissions for the Amarok will achieve the new best values for the pickup segment".

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