Volkswagen Amarok SUV Was Secretly Developed by VW. A Future Model Is Still Possible
Table of Contents
Volkswagen almost launched an SUV based on the Amarok pickup, but the project never reached production. The company developed the idea internally, yet it never received final approval. Even today, Volkswagen has not completely ruled out bringing an Amarok based SUV to market in the future.
The story recently came to light through Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, giving us a look at one of the company’s shelved projects.
Volkswagen Secretly Built an Amarok Based SUV
The original Volkswagen Amarok has always looked like a strong candidate for an SUV. Since it used a body on frame platform, many expected Volkswagen to develop a seven seat SUV to compete with models like the Ford Everest.
Interestingly, Volkswagen actually did exactly that.
Internally, the project was known as the “Amarok Wagon.” It was a fully enclosed SUV that shared the Amarok’s rugged pickup underpinnings. However, despite reaching the development stage, Volkswagen never approved it for production.
Why Volkswagen Cancelled the Amarok SUV
According to Stefan Mecha, Head of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, the company believed demand would not be strong enough on a global scale.
Although internal studies suggested the SUV could perform well in Australia, Volkswagen decided that one market alone could not justify the investment needed for mass production.
In simple terms, the business case did not work globally, so the project remained behind closed doors.
Reasons the Amarok SUV was cancelled
- Strong sales potential mainly in Australia.
- Limited demand expected in other global markets.
- Production costs could not be justified.
- Volkswagen wanted a project that could scale across multiple regions.
The Idea Never Completely Disappeared
Even after the project was cancelled, some people inside Volkswagen continued to support the idea.
A few years ago, Albert Kirzinger, Head of Design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, shared a design sketch showing a second generation Amarok with a fully enclosed SUV body.
However, by then things had changed.
The latest Amarok is built alongside the Ford Ranger through Volkswagen’s partnership with Ford. While the Ranger has its own SUV counterpart in the Ford Everest, that partnership did not include permission for Volkswagen to build its own SUV version.
As a result, the Amarok SUV remained only a concept inside the company.
Third Generation Amarok Could Still Bring an SUV
Volkswagen has already confirmed that a third generation Amarok is under discussion.
Stefan Mecha said the company is talking with Ford about future cooperation but is also considering other possibilities.
The current Amarok is expected to remain on sale for another two to three years, meaning its replacement is likely to arrive around the end of this decade.
At this stage, Volkswagen has not confirmed an SUV version, but it has also not rejected the idea completely.
Amarok Will Continue With Two Different Versions
Volkswagen has also confirmed another important strategy for the Amarok.
The first generation Amarok, which has now been on sale for 17 years in South America, will receive a replacement in 2027.
This model will be developed with Chinese manufacturer SAIC and will be designed specifically for South American markets.
That means Volkswagen plans to sell two Amarok models in different regions.
| Region | Amarok Strategy |
|---|---|
| Global markets | Current Ford based Amarok |
| South America | New SAIC based Amarok from 2027 |
Scout Traveler Will Cover the Off Road SUV Segment
Even if Volkswagen never launches an Amarok SUV, the Volkswagen Group will still have a serious off road SUV offering.
The upcoming Scout Traveler is scheduled to enter production in 2027.
Key highlights include:
- Starting price below $60,000
- Fully electric version with around 350 miles of driving range
- Range extender version offering more than 500 miles of range
- Production at a new factory in Blythewood, South Carolina
The range extender model will use a naturally aspirated petrol engine only as a generator, while the wheels will continue to be driven by electric motors.
Was Volkswagen Right to Cancel the Amarok SUV?
Looking back, many enthusiasts believe Volkswagen missed an opportunity.
The original Amarok already had the strong body on frame architecture needed for a capable family SUV. A seven seat version could have competed directly with vehicles such as the Ford Everest, Toyota Fortuner and Isuzu MU X in several markets.
However, Volkswagen is currently focused on reducing costs and simplifying its global lineup. The company has already announced plans to significantly reduce the number of models it offers, making a completely new Amarok SUV a difficult business decision at the moment.
For now, the Amarok SUV remains one of Volkswagen’s most interesting projects that almost reached reality. Whether the third generation Amarok finally gets an SUV sibling is still an open question, but the company has not completely closed the door.
Sources & References
Official Sources
1. Volkswagen Newsroom
Official Volkswagen press releases, product announcements, and corporate news.
Link: Volkswagen Newsroom
2. Volkswagen South America Amarok Announcement
Official announcement confirming the next generation Amarok for South America, arriving in 2027.
Link: Volkswagen 2027 Amarok Press Release
3. Scout Motors Newsroom
Official source for Scout Traveler updates, specifications, production plans, and manufacturing news.
Link: Scout Motors Newsroom
4. Volkswagen Group Scout Announcement
Official Volkswagen Group announcement confirming the Scout brand for the U.S. market.
Link: Volkswagen Group Scout Press Release
Trusted Automotive Media
5. Motor1 Volkswagen Amarok News
Comprehensive Amarok news, reviews, and industry coverage.
Link: Motor1 Volkswagen Amarok News
6. Motor1: Volkswagen Secret Amarok SUV Story
Detailed report explaining the cancelled Amarok SUV project, including comments from Volkswagen executives.
Link: Motor1 Amarok SUV Story
7. GoAuto Australia
Australian automotive publication that interviewed Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles CEO Stefan Mecha regarding the Amarok SUV project.
Link: GoAuto Amarok Coverage
