Abandonment of Electrification for Global Amarok Version
Volkswagen has abandoned previous plans to launch fully electric or hybrid versions of the Amarok pickup for the global market. Instead, the company has decided to retain traditional diesel and gasoline engines for this model generation. This decision highlights an orientation toward proven technologies, even as the market gradually moves toward electric vehicles.
Shared Platform with Ford Ranger
The global version of the Amarok is developed on the same basis as the Ford Ranger, allowing for the use of shared technical solutions. For example, Ford already offers a hybrid system for the Ranger, which includes a turbocharged 2.3-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor with a combined output of 277 hp. With a battery capacity of 11.8 kWh, this model can travel about 40 km on electricity alone.
Reasons for Canceling Electrified Versions
Despite having the technical capability to integrate a hybrid system from Ford, Volkswagen’s management decided not to implement it for the current generation Amarok. Nathan Johnson, Director of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand, noted that this is a global decision, and discussions regarding hybrid or electric versions have been suspended for now. However, he did not rule out their appearance in the next generation of the pickup, which is expected by the end of the decade.
Nathan Johnson, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ brand director, explained that CEO Stefan Mecha “made it clear … the PHEV and BEV Amarok is no longer being discussed at this point in time, in this generation,” emphasizing that it’s a global decision.
Prospects for Electrification in the Future
The current generation Amarok debuted in 2022, so its successor can only be expected in a few years. By that time, electrification will likely become the standard for mid-size pickups, making the appearance of hybrid or electric versions almost inevitable.
Hybrid Amarok for South America
In South America, Volkswagen continues to develop the first generation Amarok, which is based on the company’s own frame. An updated version of this model appeared last year, and a completely new hybrid version is planned for 2027. It will be built on a chassis from the Chinese automaker SAIC as part of a collaboration between the companies.
Features of the South American Model
Production of the new hybrid Amarok will be established at a plant in Argentina with an investment of $580 million. Despite using a platform shared with Chinese pickups, such as the Maxus Interstellar X or LDV Terron 9, Volkswagen will add its own design to differentiate its model. This version is intended exclusively for South American markets, which will avoid conflict with the global Amarok.
Volkswagen’s decision regarding the electrification of the Amarok reflects the complexity of global market strategies, where regional characteristics often require different approaches. In South America, where electric vehicle infrastructure is less developed, hybrid solutions may be more appropriate, while for Europe or North America, full electrification remains a priority. Furthermore, cooperation with SAIC allows Volkswagen to adapt more quickly to local conditions by using ready-made technologies without significant development costs.