Pickup from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to be called Amarok

[phaeton]

Means "wolf" in Inuit

Symbolises strength and endurance

To be launched at the beginning of 2010 in South America

Amarok set to come to Europe afterwards

Hanover, 04 June 2009 – The new Volkswagen pickup is called Amarok. In Autumn 2009, the first pickup by a European volume manufacturer in South America is to be unveiled. The South American launch is set for Spring 2010, with the Amarok coming to Europe in the summer. With the Amarok, Volkswagen is seeking to enter global pickup markets dominated for the most part by Japanese manufacturers. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles already presented an impressive concept truck at last year's IAA Commercial Vehicles, providing a taste of the brand's new fourth model. The Amarok will be produced in Argentina at Volkswagen's "Pacheco" plant near Buenos Aires.
The name Amarok comes from the language of the Inuit, who live in northern Canada and Greenland, and means wolf. The Inuit, one of the Eskimo peoples, regard the wolf as the king of the wilderness, an impressive figure due its strength, robustness, endurance and superiority.

This name also means "he loves stones" in the Romance languages, which are spoken in the major markets in Brazil and Argentina. In these markets, pickups are highly in demand as recreational and commercial vehicles due to their versatility. The Amarok's reliability and suitability for off-road driving will make it a very attractive proposition.

"This name fits to a tee the characteristics of our pickup, which will set new standards in its class. We took great care selecting this name, which can be used globally. The Amarok is meant to invoke positive associations in all relevant international markets and make a more convincing argument than its established competitors right from the start," says Stephan Schaller, CEO of the brand Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

The Amarok is the first pickup of this kind from a European manufacturer and will face competition in the one-tonne class mostly from Asia. The sixth model from the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand, which follows the Caddy, Transporter (or Multivan) and Crafter as well as the Saveiro and T2, both of which are available exclusively in South America, is a significant component in the Volkswagen Group's growth strategy and opens a new segment for Volkswagen. Schaller comments, "The Amarok lifts our brand into a new, even more international dimension. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is proud to develop, build and sell this vehicle, which is extremely important for the growth of the entire Group and constitutes a logical strategic addition to the global range."

Developed from scratch, the Amarok will be launched as a double-cab pickup with four-wheel drive. The single-cab version will be available at a later date. The pickup features not only state-of-the-art, robust engineering but also efficient engines and current Volkswagen styling. The concept car shown at the IAA gives a first impression. State-of-the-art, powerful yet efficient common rail turbo diesel injection (TDI) of the next generation will be used in the powertrain. The fuel consumption and emissions for the Amarok will achieve the new best values for the pickup segment.

The Amarok is set be launched first in South America and Central America in Spring 2010, followed by Russia and Europe as well as Africa and Australia.

[phaeton]

Thanks VW for ruining my birthday did I tell you I'm a Rock :p

Stupid name

[phaeton]

Gradually accepting name but keep thinking VW Anorak now

It has been revealed by Plant Manger that Amarok will be powered by a TDI producing 180hp/132kW (rumoured to be a twin turbo 2.0L powerplant with 500Nm).

[Coaster]

Happy birthday for yesterday

As long as they keep fuel consumption to 8L/100km (which they vaguely indicated in the press release), then with those performance figures, the Amarok is going to be the competition leader. The HiLux and Triton don't come close!

[gerhard]

Happy birthday for yesterday

As long as they keep fuel consumption to 8L/100km (which they vaguely indicated in the press release), then with those performance figures, the Amarok is going to be the competition leader. The HiLux and Triton don't come close!

The don't come close in looks - both are shockers. The Colorado probably looks the best, but it's not as good as the older 3.2V6 Rodeos were. Navara has crap 2.5l engine, etc.

I hope the VW isn't priced too high, it is earmarked to replace the Jackaroo 500nm would be luvly, thanks. But wouldn't the V6 diesel be better - it already makes 550Nm easily, but maybe that engine costs heaps more than the 2.0 twin turbo?

[phaeton]

Happy birthday for yesterday

As long as they keep fuel consumption to 8L/100km (which they vaguely indicated in the press release), then with those performance figures, the Amarok is going to be the competition leader. The HiLux and Triton don't come close!

Thanks Tristan

Yes from what I've read it will be class leading in all areas Towing, Carrying, Fuel Economy, Engine Power and Safety.

The don't come close in looks - both are shockers. The Colorado probably looks the best, but it's not as good as the older 3.2V6 Rodeos were. Navara has crap 2.5l engine, etc.

I hope the VW isn't priced too high, it is earmarked to replace the Jackaroo 500nm would be luvly, thanks. But wouldn't the V6 diesel be better - it already makes 550Nm easily, but maybe that engine costs heaps more than the 2.0 twin turbo?

Yeah I agree with you Gerhard; as for pricing VW plan to undercut the Hilux/Navara but not sure by how much.

[thekraut]

Yeah I'd probably buy one if I was in the market for that sort of vehicle