Volkswagen plans US-made pickup by 2030 to win back America, report says
Reuters reports Volkswagen plans a US-built pickup by 2030 to revive its American business; VW declined to comment.
The report, based on anonymous sources, said the automaker sees entering the competitive but high-margin pickup truck and large SUV segments as the path forward, since it currently ignores both. Volkswagen declined to comment, so the news should be taken with caution.
The plan makes sense for the US market, where four-door pickup trucks are a popular choice for Americans who want a single vehicle that can carry passengers and cargo not needing protection from the elements. The US pickup truck market is expected to account for nearly $200 billion in sales in 2026, with projections showing continued growth in the coming years.
Tariffs and an outdated approach to emissions controls may make the US a haven for vehicles that are uncompetitive or unsellable elsewhere. The report noted that the global car might be dead, but automakers need to develop vehicles for each region's tastes, and Americans really like pickup trucks.