Jalopnik: 2010 volkswagen robust

2010 Volkswagen Robust Pickup Spied In United States

Wes Siler — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:20:00 EDT

Despite rumors that VW won't sell its upcoming pickup, the "Robust" (that probably won't be its final name) in the US, the company does appear to be conducting hot weather testing here. It looks like the 2010 VW Pickup will be sold exclusively in markets that appreciate simple, well-engineered, utilitarian pickups rather than leather-trimmed, gargantuan lifestyle accessories. Befitting that purpose, a range of common-rail diesels will be offered in addition to a gasoline V6.

Earlier rumors indicated the pickup would be built in both Germany and Argentina. Now it appears production will take place in Argentina only, pointing to an emphasis on the South American market. VW plans to build around 90,000 pickups annually, which may or may not be called Robust.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: A simple, well-engineered, economical, utilitarian pickup truck? Heresy! Everyone knows a real pickup must be equipped with a lift kit, an 8.0-liter V10 and hood stripes in order to be taken seriously. We're just glad VW will be keeping its terrorist-mobile south of the border, stick those damn ~~terrorists~~ South Americans with a stupid, practical truck, they deserve it.

Europe Denied 2010 VW "Robust" Pickup, Heidi Klum Dismisses With Harsh "Auf Wiedersehen"

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EDT

Volkswagen has confirmed their 2010 Robust pickup was just too robust for the European market (and gas prices). Though the decision makes sense in light of current trends, we'd like to point out the VW pickup has been undergoing advanced testing and isn't completely dead, since VW will continue with planned production in Argentina for emerging markets.

The straw that broke the camel's back was apparently a study that showed there wasn't a market in Europe for a vehicle with a "huge loading space," which seems to totally miss the point. After all, most people in this country buy trucks absent any overriding need for any of the space features they offer. [Forbes]

2010 Volkswagen Robust Pickup Spotted With Grille

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 27 May 2008 11:20:00 EDT

The quick shutters at KGP got more photos of the 2010 VW Robust, this time showing much more of that robust grille action than we've seen before. Apparently, this design is similar to what is being considered for the 2009 Golf/Rabbit (no shock there). There has been some back-and-forth on what this Volkswagen truck will end up being (Taro, posisbly), but what we currently think is that the new VW pickup will hit showrooms as a 2010 model and will be built in Hanover, Germany and Argentina. Full spy report below the jump.

VW Robust Spy Report
Volkswagen's new pickup has been photographed again, this time climbing mountains in Austria. Our latest look catches the truck with its grille-work exposed for the first time. While this truck prototype is still thoroughly covered, comparing this prototype with spy shots of the sixth-generation Golf reveals a real sense of the VW styling DNA that will be employed.

VW's new truck—equally rumored to be named Robust or Taro when it comes online in 2010—is scheduled to be produced in Argentina and Germany for global exportation. So will VW's new pickup reach the U.S. market? That is still an open question that has yet to be answered by VW management. This VW's size looks like it straddles the ground between the Ford Ranger and the F-150, so its reasonably-sized footprint makes sense in today's more fuel-conscious U.S. market. That fact makes a yes vote for the U.S. more likely, but probably still a bit of a long-shot.

2010 Volkswagen Robust Pickup

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:35:29 EDT

Brenda Priddy, the femme fatale of car spy photography, got us one heck of a scoop today — real, live and non-blurry photos of the new Volkswagen pickup truck tester. We've been told this mid-size hauler will be called the 2010 VW Robust in certain markets, but that's speculation as of now. What's also speculation is whether we'll end up seeing it here in the United States and of course whether the new four-door pickup from the brand all about "Fahrvergnügen" will end up hitting showrooms as a 2010 model year product. What we do know is current plans are for it to be built in Hanover, Germany as well as Argentina. Full spy report from Brenda Priddy below the jump.

VW's All-New Pickup Truck Caught! You've seen test mules, and blurry pictures from what seems like miles away - but here's a running prototype - and we're as close as one can possible get (at highway speeds) to the all-new pickup from Volkswagen. The mid-size truck - this one sporting a quad-cab - will be built in Hannover, Germany, as well Argentina, and has been referred to as the Robust. Sources say two-wheel-drive and "off-road capable" 4x4 versions will both be offered! The 2010 Robust will be a global product - but VW is still mum on their plans for U.S. sales.