Volkswagen explores production of body-on-frame pickups in the US
Volkswagen is exploring the possibility of producing body-on-frame pickups and SUVs for the North American market. This concerns a potential expansion of the brand’s future lineup in the US, where Volkswagen has not sold pickups since 1984, Motor1 reports.
Body-on-frame pickups and SUVs
Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer said that the brand will explore opportunities in the popular body-on-frame vehicle segment, including rugged SUVs and pickups. At the same time, the company did not name the platform, technical specifications, assembly location, or the timeline for launching such a vehicle into production.
The initiative is part of Volkswagen’s broader strategy for North America, presented on September 3. It also envisages accelerating the offering of hybrid models for US buyers. The company aims to achieve a 10% margin by 2030 while cutting jobs and its model range across the group.
Possible connection with Scout Motors
Volkswagen will need a suitable group architecture for the new pickup. Scout Motors, a US off-road brand financed by Volkswagen, is developing the body-on-frame Traveler SUV and Terra pickup. Their production is scheduled to begin in 2028. However, Volkswagen and Scout Motors have not publicly confirmed the use of a shared platform for a future Volkswagen pickup.
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Volkswagen’s plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, was mentioned in reports as a possible assembly site if the program is approved. Regional models are also being prepared there, including the next Atlas Cross Sport for the US market.
Previous experience in the US
Volkswagen’s last pickup on the US market was the Volkswagen Pickup, which was produced from 1979 to 1984 at the plant in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania. The model was based on the unibody platform of the first-generation Volkswagen Rabbit rather than a body-on-frame design.
In 2018, Volkswagen also unveiled the Atlas Tanoak concept, but the company did not announce its series production.
