More details have been released regarding Volkswagen's upcoming one-tonne pick-up, internally code name as Project RPU (Robust Pick-up). In September last year, VW unveiled a SAR (search and rescue) Pick-up concept in Hanover's IAA Commercial Vehicles Expo. Referring to the concept truck, Volkswagen Group Australia's director
of commercial vehicles Philip Clark said that the production version of RPU truck will be 95% similar to the concept.
Drivetrain will be shared with VW's T5 Transporter (picture above), meaning a choice of 4 or 5-cylinder common rail TDI diesel engines will be available. It will probably be mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, but sources at VW Australia suggests that a DSG automatic gearbox is also being considered, to capitalised on the excellent fuel economy and low exhaust emission. A 4x2 version is also available but it is unsure if this will be a FWD or a RWD (the common norm for 4x2 pick-up and commercial vehicles, for its obvious traction advantage when carrying heavy load).
As for the bodystyles, a single cab and extended cab (double cab) version will be available. Looking at the Pick-up Concept, the RPU is 5.18 metres long and 1.9 metres wide - slightly shorter than market leader Toyota HiLux's 5.25 metres length but wider than the Hilux's 1.83 metres width. A cab chassis is also expected to be available for Australia, which has a huge ute market.
Expected launch date is by end of 2010, with different variants being released on a staggered basis. The 4x4 double cab is expected to be the first to be introduced while the single cab versions will be released between 10 - 12 months later.
The RPU will be produced at its main production site in General Pacheco, Argentina. VW's Uitenhage plant in South Africa is also thought to be identified to produce the RPU. Production in Germany at VW's Hanover plant (which also makes the Traveller) is speculated but cannot be confirmed. Top markets targeted for sales of the RPU is South America (Brazil), South East Asia, South Africa and Australia.
VW's internal global sales projection for the RPU is at 100,000 units.
It is left to be seen if the RPU will be a significant player in the truck segment. On this side of the world, VW have always been positioned as a Tier-2 premium brand (Tier-1 being BMW and Mercedes), though VW does sell the Caravelle van in Thailand, but only in very limited numbers against the all dominating Toyota Hiace. In Singapore, it sells commercial versions of the Caddy.
Currently Australia and ASEAN grouping countries imports most of their trucks from Thailand, taking advantage of the free trade agreement made among these countries. VW does not have any significant manufacturing base in Asia (except China), and neither does any of VW's main German parts suppliers have any plants in this region outside of China, so don't expect regional assembly to begin soon, which would mean high import taxes.
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