Volkswagen has confirmed plans for an all-new version of the Amarok pickup, but don’t expect to see it on UK roads. Set for launch in 2027 and built exclusively for the South American market, this next-generation Amarok is a separate model to the Ford Ranger-based version currently sold in Europe and other global markets.

Instead, the South American Amarok will ride on a Chinese-developed ladder-frame platform, sourced from Volkswagen’s joint venture partner SAIC.

$580 million investment in Argentina

The German manufacturer will invest US$580 million (£434m) to prepare its Pacheco factory near Buenos Aires for production of the new pickup. Over 770,000 Amaroks have already been built at the site since production began in 2010, and the plant is now being upgraded with new technology and greater efficiency to support the next-generation model.

Volkswagen says the pickup will be “developed, designed and produced in South America, for South America”, with a sharp focus on aligning the vehicle to local needs, which means tough, affordable, and increasingly, electrified.

“Argentina is a key component of our South American strategy,” said Alexander Seitz, CEO of Volkswagen Latin America. “The new Amarok sets new standards in terms of performance, innovation and sustainability.”

Chinese roots

Although designed for South America, the new Amarok won’t be an entirely in-house Volkswagen creation. It’s expected to be based on the Maxus Terron 9 – also sold as the Interstellar X or MG U9 – a large, 5.5-metre long pickup. That makes it slightly longer than the Ford Ranger.

The platform supports multiple powertrain options, including diesel, full electric, and hybrid. Volkswagen has confirmed the new Amarok will feature a hybrid setup, although full technical details are yet to be announced. It’s expected that the truck will share components such as the cab shell, underpinnings, and interior elements with the Maxus, while Volkswagen will put its own stamp on the exterior with a unique front-end design featuring a full-width LED light bar and styling cues.

Co-development of the new Amarok is being carried out in partnership with SAIC, the Chinese state-owned manufacturer behind Maxus, MG, and Roewe. Cost-sharing in this way is common in developing markets, with models like the Fiat Titano, Peugeot Landtrek, and RAM 1200 all based on Chinese platforms.

Not for export: New Amarok to remain in South America

While the current Amarok, built in South Africa using Ford’s T6.2 Ranger platform, will continue to serve Europe, Australia, and other global markets, this new hybrid Amarok is strictly a South American affair. Volkswagen has ruled out any exports, with the Ford-built Amarok continuing to serve Europe, Australia and other international markets.

Phil Huff
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