China’s SAIC To Work With Volkswagen On A New Pickup

Volkswagen developed the first-generation Amarok pickup, but already the second generation is a product of cooperation with Ford, so it is not surprising that it resembles the Ranger. The original model, i.e., the first generation, is still sold in South America. The successor to the old pickup is in the construction phase, but again, it will not be an exclusively Volkswagen project.

VW will give the new pickup a Chinese DNA. Marcellus Puig, CEO of VW Argentina, said that the new model will be developed with the help of China’s SAIC Group. The project will require an investment of 580 million dollars to build pickups in Argentina by 2027. The first generation will remain in production until then.

The new Amarok for South America could be mechanically related to the Maxus Interstellar X sold in Australia as the LDV Terron 9, which would mean a move from a steel-framed chassis to a monocoque body. The double-cab pickup is sold in China with a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine and dual-motor electric drive. For Volkswagen’s finances, this move is beneficial because it saves money for the development of a new model.

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