As promised, Volkswagen has officially taken the wraps off its ‘Concept Pickup’, believed to be a pre-production version of the company’s upcoming Robust. The Concept Pickup made its debut earlier today at the 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles Show, which is being held in Hanover, Germany.
Although not entirely production intent, the concept’s styling should be a general representation of what we should see on the road-going version. Classic VW styling cues will be part of the equation, although a more subdued look seems to be on tap.
With the current instability in the U.S. market, the new truck will likely be confined to the South America and Latin America markets. However, a reasonably priced, fuel-efficient pickup could do well in the United States given recent gas prices, but VW dealers have expressed concerns over the materials and relatively low price point of the truck. Dealers said the quality of some components are ‘far below’ what North American VW buyers expect (one can see in the photos that the dash is undoubtedly made of hard plastic).
Volkswagen is planning to build about 90,000 units annually for South American and Latin American markets. Although “Robust” is the working codename for the project, the name may change before the truck reaches dealerships.
09/22, 6:27 PM
posted by:
megeebee
Except for the grille, it looks very much like the current Chevy Colorado/ GMC Canyon to my eyes.
09/22, 6:31 PM
posted by:
zeeck
yeah, with a retarded grin on it’s face
also, why make a pickup where you can’t stick anything in the bed?
that bed is smaller than the Colorado’s, hopefully it will be longer on a regular cab
09/22, 6:41 PM
posted by:
VWgrouP
Well, this would be the second time VW has based one of their cars on a GM..
Thats my only comment..
09/22, 6:55 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
For get this, bring back the bus, with hippies and all, and don’t forget the chicks with hairy arm pits, LOL….
09/22, 8:29 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
A little bland looking, but overall looks handsome. Gets the job done with a little bit of flare, but overall just a simple design. Update the plastics and quality, add some sound deadening and some major safety features, and woola! You’ve got a sub 16 grand pick up that gets good fuel economy, WITH a diesel engine!
09/23, 9:09 AM
posted by:
CleanGTO
I drive an ‘09 Jetta, and I like nearly everything VW does. That being said, this thing looks like an Eos copulated with a Chevy Colorado. I’m sure the fit and finish will be tops on the interior, and elsewhere for that matter. I’m not thrilled with the exterior styling, but this could be a more utilitarian option for VW drivers. Overall probably a win.
09/23, 9:12 AM
posted by:
CleanGTO
PS. The styling of the finished concept version looks far more attractive than that test mule…that one I like.
09/23, 10:25 AM
posted by:
shaver
The 4-door/small bed pick up is very popular all over central/south america.
09/23, 12:01 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
“Concept Pickup” Reads Nissan Frontier rebadge.
Put a diesel in it already!
09/23, 5:10 PM
posted by:
Get Real
“materials” and “price point” is NOT what dealers should worry about.
The lack of quality in a VW is what they should worry about.
09/24, 9:25 PM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
Looks like a Ford Taurus pick-up model.