VW Amarok Pickup Heading to Canada?
Quite possibly, according to remarks by Volkswagen of Canada’s Media Relations Manager, Thomas Tetzlaff.
The VW Amarok is a rest-of-the-world compact pickup that competes against the likes of the global Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, Toyota Hilux and others, yet until now, it hasn’t set foot on North American shores.
Tetzlaff recently said that VWoC was “very interested,” in the Amarok but at the present time is still “proceeding very slowly and very cautiously.”
VW has been in discussions with its dealer body north of the border and according to Tetzlaff there has been some “very positive feedback.” That said, he did also mention that there needs to be a strong business case to bring the Amarok to market in Canada, which could prove difficult since Canadian vehicle regulations closely mirror those of the US and with a 10th the population, it’s often hard for automakers to justify introducing vehicles purely for Canadian consumption.
That said, VW has done so in the recent past, with its City Golf and Jetta, essentially facelifted versions of the fourth generation car that were sold alongside the fifth generation Rabbit/Jetta models, plus Acura with it’s Civic derived EL and CSX.
If the VW Amarok does indeed go on sale in Canada, it’s likely it will be offered with a diesel engine, giving buyers a true, fuel thrifty alternative to the likes of gasoline powered mid-size and full-size half-ton rigs.
As for the US, official VW spokesman Mark Gillies said the firm’s American arm has no such plans to import the current version of the Amarok.
[Source: Autoblog]
More by Huw Evans
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I would trade in my USA 1982 FWDVW Rabbit Diesel Pick-Up. I'm tired of fighting people off trying to buy my truck. I would love to own this newVW truck but it would have to be a Diesel. Come on VW with the Diesel fuel MPG savings it is time for your launch to the USA a small truck W/Diesel option.
Waiting for a long time for a fuel efficient diesel pick-up. Had an'86 diesel Jetta that made 723,000kms. My '06 TDI has 305,000 on it to date. Living in the country a pick-up would be great!! Going to the Calgary Car Show later this month. Hopefully somethings happening.