VW plans beaut Robust ute
But not for Australia, or North AmericaNot exactly fitting into the Euro-style family of hatchbacks, sedans and wagons VW is fondly recognised for building, the German company is targeting the likes of Toyota and Nissan with this rugged-looking crew cab ute caught testing in the US by spy photographers Carparazzi.
The VW ute is planned primarily for the South American and Latin American markets and will be built not in Germany but in the company's plant in Pacheco, Argentina, with a planned production of about 90,000 a year.
The USA is apparently not on the agenda, largely due to dealer reaction, which was sceptical about the quality, as well as the potential for VW sales in the utility segment. Curiously, Australia -- considering its fascination with pick-ups -- won't be seeing the new LCV either. There are reports, however, that the ute could find its way, in limited numbers, into certain Euro markets.
At this stage, the working title for the vehicle is "Robust", but that could change by the time it reaches production. Rumours of an SUV-style variant to go by the name "Namib" are also circulating.
The ute is expected to offer a range of common-rail turbodiesels as well as a petrol four-cylinder and a V6.
A concept version is expected to be shown at this year's Hannover commercial vehicle show in September.
-- with Carparazzi
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