VW officially names upcoming 1-ton bakkie

Volkswagen has decided to ditch the “Robust” nomenclature for its upcoming Hilux rival, instead giving it a name that sums up the rugged, wilderness-loving nature of the vehicle.By Gareth Dean

Volkswagen AG has officially named its RPU (Robust Pick-up) the Amarok, which is a giant wolf of Inuit (Eskimo) mythology...it’s also the name taken by a couple of progressive rock bands in Europe, a type of audio player software, and the name of a Turkish martial art. In South America, one of the markets Volkswagen intends to target with its upcoming pick-up, Amarok translates as “he loves stones”.

“This name fits the characteristics of our pickup perfectly, which will set new standards in its class,” says Stephan Schaller, CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “We took great care selecting this name, which can be used globally and is meant to invoke positive associations in all relevant international markets. The Amarok is a powerful and robust vehicle with great stamina - just like the wolf,” he continued.

The near-production model of the Amarok (then dubbed the Robust Pick-up) was previewed at the 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles Show last year. The concept vehicle sported crystalline headlamps, elaborate and squared wheel arches and a ladder chassis with a blade suspension at rear. The Pick-Up Concept followed a “Search and Rescue/Beach Patrol” theme with blue LEDs fitted on the roof and built into its right headlight cluster. It also has a 1,5-metre long cargo area and a two-piece tailgate that would supposedly store essential tools for the day to day operations of a beach patrol vehicle.

Although the concept’s interior sported a largely digitised interface with a touch-screen for many auxiliary controls, much of the architecture such as the VW-family circular vents and cowled instrumentation dials with a chrome-look finish and sporty three-spoke steering wheel, look production viable. Given the combination of utilitarian touches and passenger-car like finishes, the Amarok will follow take its cue from the 1-ton class-leading Toyota Hilux and appeal equally to commercial and lifestyle markets.
One of VW’s focus areas for the new project is optimised fuel economy. Wolfsburg’s aiming for an average of less than 8 litres per 100 km for the range. Although the final engine line-up will only be confirmed at the official launch in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 2010, versions of the VW Group’s supercharged and turbocharged 1,4-litre TSI, the (award-winning) 2,0-litre TFSI and 2,0 TDI turbodiesel were mentioned as possible powerplants.

The Amarok will be manufactured at Volkswagen’s Pachero plant near Buenos Aires in Argentina. It is being aimed primarily at the South American, Southern African, and Thai markets, but Europe and Russia are also expected to receive this model. Single cab production will begin in October or November this year with a view to a South American launch in early 2010, followed by Central America, Europe and Russia shortly thereafter. Petrol and diesel versions will become available in South Africa by late 2010, while the double-cab version is expected by 2011.

View a gallery of the VW Robust Pick-up Concept.

View a video from the launch of the VW Robust Pick-up Concept.