Debuting this week at the IAA international auto show in Hanover, Germany is this intriguing new Volkswagen Pickup concept. It's the fourth new model in the manufacturer's commercial vehicle lineup and possibly the most exciting to date.
The truck is claimed to set new standards in the one-tonne pickup class and will go into production at the end of 2009. However, we learned that initially the US won't be getting the new pickup, despite the obvious market for such a vehicle in North America. Instead, its slated to hit dealerships in Europe, South America, South Africa and Australia.
A spokesman from VW stated that the US pickup market was already in decline, extremely competitive and dominated by established players. Trying to break into the US market with a new truck would be extremely costly, so VW has decided not to bring it here.
The concept measures 17ft in length and 6.2ft wide. It features with four doors and four seats. Under the hood, the vehicle will see a range of TDI engines at first, reflecting its status as a workhorse rather than a lifestyle vehicle.
However, the concept has a lifeguards search and rescue theme and is intended to give the truck a "sexy" image prior to its launch. The all-wheel drive truck also features GPS, a touchscreen head unit, CB radios, defibrillator, fire extinguishers and more lifesaving tools. It's unlikely such a themed vehicle will go into production but it should attract plenty of attention.